ISO 14001 requires an Environmental Policy to be in existence within an organisation, fully supported by senior management, and outlining the policies of the company not only to the staff but also to the public.  The policy explains compliance with relevant Environmental Legislation and stresses a commitment to continuous improvement.

Phoenix is committed to implementing its Environmental Policy throughout its business by continually monitoring changes in environmental law.  We aim to establish and maintain a high standard in all the company’s activities so as not to cause any harm or pollution to the environment.

We will use the best environmental technology and continue to investigate new technology so we can improve our understanding of the environment.

The company seeks to be a leader in good environmental practices within our business sector and to this aim Phoenix is committed to:

• Operating in strict accordance with relevant laws, regulations and professional codes of practice.
• Achieving continual improvement in our environmental performance.
• Operating in a open manner and encouraging our customers to work to environmental practices.
• Educate and train our employees to conduct their activities in an environmentally friendly way.
• Work with regulatory bodies, environmental organisations and all other interested parties on environmental issues

This policy is approved and implemented by the Directors of Phoenix Office Supplies Ltd

Phoenix 2001/2002 Commitment To Setting Quality Targets For Improving Resources Efficiency And Environmental Performance

Practicing Waste Reduction and Energy Savings

We have been paying much attention to green housekeeping, waste reduction and energy savings.  We have adopted the following measures in our offices and training centres in practising waste reduction and saving energy and natural resources:

On Paper Saving

In addition to some common practices in saving paper such as using both sides of paper, re-using used paper for drafting, computer printout and photocopying, re-using envelopes and file covers, etc, we had the following achievement:

We saved at least 300 reams of papers through recycling the hard copies of the daily generated paper materials for re-use in copying machines or computer printers in 2001/02.

Our marketing department has adopted an electronic newspaper and marketing material clipping services via the department's Kovis electronic scanning system.  Efforts had been made to further reduce the need for paper copy marketing material through share reading over the network.

During the year 2001/02, we had issued 2,427 marketing releases and price lists on the internet via the marketing departments computer network and the company’s website.  All personnel were able to have access. Hard copies for distribution were cut to the minimum.

In line with environmental protection, a digital photo library system has been adopted for press releases to client’s and the media.  The less environmental friendly photo-finishing process for developing films and colour prints were cut to the minimum.

Intranet and e-mail have been widely used in this office for internal and external communications, conveyance of digital photographs and design works.   This contributes to office economy, saving relevant manpower, paper work and energy consumption.  We recycled office paper and old marketing materials, which were for condemnation. In the year 2001/02, our target for paper recycling was 900 kg and the target was met. Our estimation for 2002/03 in this respect is 1200 kg.

We achieved wider use of electronic means for communication and collecting regular returns with a view to reducing paper consumption in the business.  PCs, Intranet and e-mail services have been provided to all personnel with operational needs. Dedicated email accounts have already been provided to all personnel.

We saved over 500 reams of papers and 9,000 envelopes that recorded overall decreases of 14.4% and 7.3% respectively when compared with similar figures in the previous year.

We will continue to observe the principle of 'reduce and reuse' in the consumption of materials, and seek continual improvement in the efficient use of natural resources and energy in our operations.

On Energy Saving

We manage our resources responsibly with a view to preserving natural resources. Good practices are widely used in our offices.  Such practices include switching off heating and air-conditioning systems, lights and electric equipment while not in use, setting heating and air-conditioning at appropriate temperature, using natural lighting where at all possible, keeping all windows and outside doors closed when air conditioning units are running, etc.  In particular, we have taken the following actions in our offices to save energy without affecting services and the quality of the working environment:

• Use of energy saving lights instead of tungsten lights.
• Regular checking of the proper function of light sensor.
• Identify the maximum LUX required at individual facilities.
• Setting at 24°C plus or minus one degree for all areas.
• Turning off the air conditioning system half hour/one hour before the close of the offices when there is no extended activity in the buildings.
• Exercise vigilance in the use of water and regulate outflow of water taps.
• Achieve water saving by using less water for landscape features around the buildings.
• Energy audits will continue to be conducted at both buildings.
• Routine checking to switch off lights and stand by power equipment as far as possible during non-office hours and lunch breaks.

Other Green Measures

• Issue of good practices in energy saving for supplier’s contractors. They are constantly reminded to follow the good practices we have achieved in waste reduction and savings.
• Placing waste separation bins in office areas.
• Engagement of contractors to collect waste paper for recycling

Conclusion

We have achieved the targets set by the board for improvements in green housekeeping, waste reduction and energy savings.  Continued efficiency in these areas is our aim and with your support benefits to both the general and our work environment will continue to meet the high standards we set.

This performance target was approved and implemented by the Directors of Phoenix Office Supplies Ltd.

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Please click here to read about The EU WEEE Directive