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Environmental Policy Statement |
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Futures Supplies & Support Services Ltd are trade suppliers of washroom
and janitorial products to meet the requirements of our customers.
Our objectives are to deliver service, quality, value and reliability
through continual improvement and customer satisfaction using innovation and
technology to provide an environmentally sensitive service whilst tackling
long-term sustainability.
We recognise that our business activities have an impact on the
environment and our approach is to support the environment by continually
striving to make it part of our ethos to reduce the creation of waste and
promote good housekeeping techniques.
This approach is applied within our organisation and through third
parties involved in or with our business in such a way to facilitate the
protection of the environment. We are committed wherever possible and
practicable to: -
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- Continual improvement of our environmental performance by carrying
out regular reviews and monitoring of our environmental policy.
- Providing our employees with training and information in relation to
environmental issues and the environmental effects of their activities
as individuals.
- Assessing the environmental impact of our operations and reassessing
annually. Recognising and complying with current legislation and
approved codes of practice where applicable.
- Preventing pollution, emissions and waste, together with the use of
raw materials and energy.
- Encouraging similar standards from all customers, suppliers, and
contractors on environmental matters.
- Liasing with our local community in environmental issues.
- Participating in discussions about environmental issues.
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Environmental Claims |
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We do not think it is enough just to make claims about environmental
credentials we believe that these should be backed up and certificated by
independent bodies, auditors and assessors.
We are committed to integrity and transparency in the way we operate, how
we supply goods and services and in our business partnerships.
As a result our approach has been to formalise our EMS through
certification to BS EN ISO 14001. Our carbon footprint (emissions) is
measured and monitored against pre-defined KPI’s (key performance
indicators) through the collection and independent verification of data by
CarbonNeutral’s TCNC Group Certification scheme. We also comply with the
Packaging Waste Regulations making annual data submissions on packaging for
independent verification by Valpack and where possible the products we
supply are certified, endorsed by independent bodies and or carry recognised
environmental labels or marks and always conform to current legislation. |
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Environmental Certification |
Environmental Management is the control of ones interaction with the
environment in which we live i.e. our global ecosystem comprising air, water
and land. The impact company actions are having on the environment is
becoming an increasingly important issue across the globe and we have taken
formal and systematic measures to formalise its approach to its
environmental project successfully gaining certification BS EN IS0 14001.
- Futures Supplies successfully gained certification to BS EN ISO
14001. An effective EMS certified to ISO 14001 can help an organisation
operate in a more cost efficient and environmentally responsible manner
by managing its impacts, including those which it can control and
influence while also complying with relevant environmental legislation
and its own environmental policy.
- To gain and maintain certification Futures Supplies ensures
legislative compliance, records information on the operation of their
EMS and demonstrate continual improvement. Increased credibility comes
from regular independent assessment to ensure their Environmental
Management System continues to meet the requirements of the standard.
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Futures are Carbon Neutral |
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We are dedicated to protecting the environment and as part of our
commitment we are Carbon Neutral - measuring the carbon dioxide (CO2)
emissions associated with our business, reducing them at source then
offsetting any unavoidable emissions by purchasing carbon credits. To
‘balance out’ these emissions in 2006-07, we used our carbon credits to
support sustainable forestry projects in the UK and, in 2007/08, to support
the Shangyi Manjing wind farm project in China.
Find out more about our current project
or try out our Carbon calculator.. |
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How We Tackle Sustainability |
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As part of the company’s commitment to sustainability we signed up to the
Mayor's Green Procurement Code and with the help of London Remade and our
other partners including Envibe and Envirowise we are successfully tackling
sustainability in key areas including Economic, Social and Environmental. |
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Sustainable Procurement and the Supply Chain |
Purchasing Policy
Our purchasing policy aims to provide a framework to advance the sustainable
use of resources and demonstrate that our purchasing decisions can improve
markets for environmental and recycled products as well as being resource
responsible. Where possible we prefer the purchase of local recycled,
recyclable and environmentally preferable sustainable products where they
are fit for purpose, available at a reasonable cost and do not compromise on
quality. We work hard with our suppliers to ensure they meet our strict
criteria looking at life cycle, environmental policies, and accreditations
and aspire to influence on best practice whilst conforming to legislation. |
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Closing the Loop |
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We REDUCE by using less - minimising in the first place and avoiding
waste this includes purchasing in bulk, offering an electronic ordering
system, use of technology to assist with vehicle emissions, direct faxing
and double sided printing etc. We also supply products where possible that
offer our customers products that offer ‘best cost in use’ solution reducing
usage.
We REUSE making best use of existing and reclaimed resources
ensuring any new purchases are durable, have a long life cycle and are easy
to maintain. We also supply products to our customers that are manufactured
from reusable recyclable sustainable resources wherever possible.
We RECYCLE by ensuring we provide resources and training to
personnel and customers to assist in the recycling process. Ensuring we
purchase or supply products that are, wherever possible, manufactured from
or contain recycled materials that can be recycled again and again.
All our stationery is printed on NAPM 100% recycled paper using
waterless printing techniques or Nordic Swan approved board using
environmentally friendly 100% alcohol-free dampening for virtually zero VOC
emissions and using vegetable based rather than petroleum based inks. The
company also purchases Evercopy 100% recycled photocopy paper and envelopes
and monitors all its suppliers for their commitment to sustainability.
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Waste minimisation |
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Minimising wastage, packaging and transportation wherever possible we offer
an environmentally preferable web based on line ordering facility
www.futures-supplies.co.uk.
This encourages electronic ordering, saving against the cost of producing a
paper based purchase order system. The web site also has helpful information
on its environmental activities, tips and useful links to sites such as
Envirowise, Envibe and London Remade.
Recognising part of the sustainable cycle is to cut down on the
consumption in the first place, we also print all our documents double sided
and further waste reduction has been achieved through the introduction of
direct faxing, computerised document management and e-marketing as well as
the use of e-mail.
We use water saving devices in all out toilet cisterns along with an
inbuilt water filter system straight form the mains to provide our drinking
water.
We subscribe to the Telephone Preference Service and Mail Preference
Service to ensure we don’t receive junk mail and unsolicited faxes in the
first place minimising waste at source and where possible make use of on
line rather than paper based communications including facilitating our own
on-line customer service surveys. |
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Energy efficiency |
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We have implemented reduced energy use and conservation preserving resources
through the application of timers, the installation of energy efficient
lighting, sensors and the installation of heat pump air-conditioning
purchased with the help of an Enhanced Capital Allowance. Committed to
reducing our carbon footprint even further we purchase ‘green energy’
generated from renewable, sustainable sources such as hydro-electricity,
wind and solar power. We are also achieving energy efficiencies through the
implementation of our Travel Plan. |
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Recycling |
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We have successfully implemented measures for recycling our paper, card and
plastics. Our printer cartridges are recycled and postage stamps are
recycled through Marie Curie Cancer Research. We currently recycle over 80%
of our waste. |
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Communication, Collaboration and Media |
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We produce regular newsletters on recycled paper using waterless printing
techniques and in electronic format, this helps promote the company’s
environmental activates and provides environmental tips and useful
suggestions. Personnel also regularly attend environmental forums to share
ideas, communicate commitment to sustainability and help identify new
innovative measures. We produce and submit regular editorial and press
releases on our environmental activities and the Managing Director is asked
to submit articles and opinions to media, produces a Blog and is active in
supporting and mentoring other business, suppliers and partners in their
environmental projects and activities. |
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Travel Plan |
| We launched our travel plan in
partnership with Seltrans and have subsequently purchased 4 pool
bikes and had a shower and lockers installed to encourage the use of
green sustainable travel to its workforce. Consequently at least 4
members of staff now cycle to work and car sharing and use of the
Croydon tram and public transport system is a regular part of travel
for staff reducing cost and promoting a healthy lifestyle. We have
also introduced home working and regularly promote our travel
initiatives through the company’s newsletters and regular PR. |
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Vehicle Management |
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As well as providing driver education through additional driver awareness
training with the RAC, delivering savings on insurance premiums, the
company’s vehicles are tracked using a GPRS vehicle tracking system
providing better fuel efficiencies as well as up to date information to
customers on the location of their deliveries.
The company runs two Toyota T-Spirit Prius 1.5VVTI Hybrid’s on its fleet
which offer an intelligent combination of an electric motor and petrol
engine resulting in outstanding fuel efficiency and has been voted Europe’s
most eco-friendly vehicle, best fuel economy award as well as car of the
year award. The Prius produces only 104g/km CO2 emissions and is by far the
cleanest car on the market; NOx and HM emissions are lower than any other
car on the road today. Hybrid Synergy Drive technology cuts fuel consumption
by almost 40% compared to a conventional petrol engine Its CO2 emissions are
40% lower than European Standards for 2005. The use of the Toyota Prius’s
has substantially reduced the company’s CO2 emissions as well as creating
savings in reduced fuel bills, vehicle licensing fees and insurance costs.
The Prius is also Congestion Charge exempt.
The company is awaiting delivery of a pioneering electric vehicle on its
fleet to carry out customer deliveries. Providing a zero emissions
alternative to diesel vehicles the Edison vehicle emits zero exhaust
pollution, zero noise pollution and has recyclable components. With a top
speed of 50mph and a range of 120 miles on ‘one charge, the vehicle is run
on electricity provided from 100% renewable sources meaning the vehicle
leaves no carbon footprint. |
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Corporate Social Responsibility |
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Our initiative within the community is to provide support for disadvantaged
young people. Recognising that our business activities impact on the
environment and future generations the company is committed to working with
Croydon Council on their ‘Employability Project’ giving young care-leavers
10/12 week work placements enabling them to gain valuable work place
experience as well as building their confidence and self esteem. Following
this we have given a number of care leavers permanent positions with the
company and numerous more valuable placements. |
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Charities |
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As part of the company’s social commitment it supports a number of charities
financially and equally as important engages in community activates. We
belive whilst it is important to make financial contributions it is crucial
to engage and collaborate in activities. Our chosen charities include Great
Ormond Street Hospital, Marie Curie Cancer Research and The Royal Marsden
Cancer Campaign.
Locally we actively support and engaging in activities with the ‘Croydon
Commitment’ and contribute annually to it’s funding. The ‘Croydon
Commitment’ is a movement of businesses committed to working together to
improve their economic social and environmental impact on their community
and believes that companies have a greater impact working collaboratively
than independently. |
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Innovation and Technology |
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Customer focused we recognise the need for continual innovation, the use of
technology and a commitment to long term investment in resources to help our
green projects and commitment to the environment. As well as re-launching
the company website to include an environmentally preferable on-line
shopping facility we have introduced a ‘Telematics’ technology GPRS vehicle
tracking system to help monitor and improve efficiencies in our vehicle
fleet, routing and fuel consumption. By being innovative in all areas of our
business helps us strive to do better - providing innovative quality
products that have a reduced environmental impact, optimised efficiency
discouraging misuse and wastage through knowledge and training. |
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Training & Collaboration |
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We belive that engaging staff through education on environmental issues and
aligning our climate change strategy with our company goals and ethos. All
personnel therefore undergo environmental training as part of the company’s
induction process and on going awareness and refresher training. We
frequently collaborate with suppliers and customers attending and supporting
environmental awareness days, exhibitions and forums on behalf of third
parties as well as carrying out on site, at our offices, customer awareness
workshops to ensure where possible we assist and influence on best
environmental practice. |
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Environmentally Preferable Products and Environmental Considerations
The Supply Chain |
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Traffic Lights |
| To assist customers in making an informed choice and
enable them to give environmental consideration when making
purchasing decisions we have introduced a simple common sense
approach by establishing a traffic light system of categorising
products on our website. When classifying products there are various
issues that have to be taken into consideration, which can be
exhaustive, and there is still much controversy over what is
considered ‘environmentally friendly’. There are still no firm
guidelines however as part of the company’s long term commitment to
sustainability we hope that this method will help our customers in
their decisions whilst not compromising on the standard and quality
of the product required to do the job. The general scope below is
broken into criteria for each product grouping and by clicking the
traffic light on the website you will be taken to a page which gives
an explanation by product category. Red products A product with high
environmental impact that must only be used if absolutely necessary,
in a controlled way and to a minimum if at all where no alternative
is available to do the job. Amber products A product that has an
environmental impact but may be used with care providing use is not
excessive and where an alternative is not available to do the job.
Green products A products that has little impact on the environment
if at all, are biodegradable, recycled and carry an environmental
mark such as the Nordic Swan. |
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Products
Cleaning Products |
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Developing and producing efficient
cleaning products in the world’s first ecological factory built in
1992 in Belgium, Ecover is the leader in the ecological cleaning
sector in over 20 countries worldwide. The range of products, all of
which have 100% recyclable packaging have been developed to minimise
pollution and environmental impact and are based on plant and
mineral ingredients from nature. Unlike many petrochemicals based
products they do not contain toxic, allergenic, mutagenic or
carcinogenic ingredients, which make them safer for cleaning staff,
office staff, customers and the environment.
buy ecover products
more
information about ecover products |
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Toilet Tissue - Bulk Pack
If you are using Jumbo Toilet Tissue, Mini Jumbo and Conventional Toilet
Tissue we would recommend a switch to a Bulk Pack system, this system
provides individual dispensing top up system preventing the need for the
disposal of ‘end rolls’, controls pilferage and reduces overall usages
resulting in cost savings and environmental benefits.
Bulk pack is self-presenting thus preventing cross contamination and
controlling usage. The system is ‘a top up system’ so it never runs out
unlike Conventional or Jumbo Toilet Rolls where a decision has to be made to
dispose of an end roll or leave spares in the washroom which often end up in
on the floor or have to be throw away.
Hand Towels – ZigZag, One Stop, Non Stop and Interleaved Towels
If you are currently using C Fold Hand towels these present closed and
often come out of the dispenser in ‘clumps’. We would recommend switching to
interleaved towels these are individually dispensed open or
’self-presenting’ ready for use.
Self-presenting hand towels help prevent cross contamination and control
usage resulting in cost savings and therefore benefit the environment.
Refuse Sacks – BioSacks
Degradable Bio Sacks are manufactured to accelerate the decomposition of
the plastic product to the point where it is mineralised into its basic
component elements of water, carbon dioxide and biomass (inert mineral
compounds).
The polymers are broken down by the action of natural light, oxygen, heat
and movement and in conditions where microbes are present such as landfill
or maintained compost where the carbon chains biodegrade unlike other
plastic bags/sacks which can take hundreds of years to degrade if ever.
Frequently asked questions and answers relating to bio sacks can be found
www.futures-supplies.co.uk/downloads2/008.003E.pdf |
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Achievements |
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We have received numerous awards endorsing our green credentials for our
environmental, green and CSR initiatives. Details of these can be seen in
the ‘awards’ page
on this website. |
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The Future...... |
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With the continued support of the Envibe team, Envirowise, London Remade and
our other partners we continue to work with our supply partners to ensure
the products supplied to our valued customers conform to our environmental
and sustainability initiatives. We are working towards continual improvement
in all areas to further reduce our environmental impact and that of those
around us. Our philosophy of doing one thing every day that makes a
difference and ensuring we formalise our activities gives our customers,
suppliers and partners the confidence of knowing that we do what we say we
will do and go the extra mile.
We will continue our commitment to helping young people into employment
and our support of charities as part of our overall commitment to economic,
social and environmental sustainability and regeneration whilst engaging
staff, customers, suppliers and the local and wider community.
Our commitment to the ‘Employability Scheme’ will provide further work
placement training and we believe if that if it can change just one young
life, the impact of changing many will be unequivocal and indisputable on
the future.
A strong commitment to the environment and long-term sustainability forms
an integral part of our business strategy as we continue to lead the way in
terms of best environmental practice.
We believe that business is not just about the bottom line but giving
something back and have been successful in making substantial savings which
have been re-invested, whilst addressing environmental issues, promoting
sustainability and positioning ourselves in the market place as a company
that cares. |
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