ENVIRONMENTAL AND SUSTAINABILITY POLICY 1
POLICY STATEMENT Westcotec Limited is a major producer of dynamic road signs for both the UK and international marketplace. By improving traffic management, reducing vehicle speeds, and raising road safety levels and awareness, Westcotec has had an overall beneficial environmental impact. The Directors, however, recognise that the Company s manufacturing operations have an environmental impact on the local and regional environment. Taking this into account the Company has developed an efficient Environmental and Sustainability Management System. Within this system, environmental regulations, laws, and codes of practice are regarded as setting our minimum standards of environmental performance. Doing business offers us lots of choices but one of the options is normally more sustainable that the others. We try to choose that option wherever we can, and we are trying hard to be responsible. Our Environmental and Sustainability Policy through a coordinated environmental management system strategy, engenders a culture of environmental responsibility and enlists the support and commitment of employees, suppliers, and business partners. This Policy reflects our achievements, and also our ambitions. We will be updating it regularly as we refine our ideas and learn more about how to be more sustainable. P Hayton Westcotec Limited February 2012 Westcotec Limited 34 Bertie Ward Way Rash s Green Industrial Estate E Dereham Norfolk NR19 1TE Telephone: 01362 853124 Fax: 01362 851809 E: westcotec@lineone.net www: westcotec.co.uk 2
Application Westcotec is a certified member of the NIES. As a member we are committed to implementing cost effective environmental improvements under the SME s and to share best practice with other scheme members. Environmental and Sustainability Management System Environmental and Sustainability Policy Planning Implementation and Operation Checking Management Review Continual Improvement 3
MISSION STATEMENT The Company will endeavour to: Comply with current environmental legislation Display and provide this Policy to all employees including subcontractors Provide adequate funding for environmental management Ensure that access exists to competent environmental support systems Support a culture of consultation with employees Provide environmental information, guidance, and training that meets best practice Monitor, measure, audit, and seek continuous improvement in its environmental and sustainability performance taking action where necessary Work with external agencies and bodies to ensure continued adoption of best practice solutions Review this policy taking into consideration any audit findings annually as a minimum 4
The and Works Manager will be responsible for implementing this Policy and as far as is reasonably practicable ensure that: Energy Use The Company will, as far as possible, use environmentally safe and sustainable energy sources to meet our needs. We will invest in improved energy efficiency in the workplace and in relation to the products we use and sell. We have installed a barrier curtain between the production area and the vehicle bay in order to segregate areas which do not require heating. We are in the process of installing a 5kw solar water heater in the factory. IT Equipment In order to avoid unnecessary use of energy, PC s are turned off at the end of the day. This will also give the unit time to cool down properly and will mean that the fans will have to work less thereby reducing wear. Westcotec has banned the use of screensavers as an active screensaver uses the same amount of energy as when the screen is in full use. They can also prevent the machine from going into auto hibernation/power-save mode. Low energy IT equipment will be purchased whenever possible. Responsibility for Products The Company considers the environmental impacts of its products at all stages of their life cycle from design, to manufacturing, customer use, and finally disposal and reacts to minimise any negative impact. Resource Consumption The Company seeks to address its impact on the environment through the adoption of a sustainable procurement policy. We conserve resources through efficient use and careful planning thereby reducing wastage to the lowest practicable level. 5
Treating Emissions The Company is committed to reducing emissions from industrial processes. Measures are taken to ensure that vehicle exhaust pollutants are kept to a minimum. Disposal of Waste We minimize waste, especially hazardous waste, and whenever possible recycle materials. We dispose of all waste through safe and responsible methods both at the plant and on site. We are registered under the WEEE Directive and have an Environment Agency Waste Carrier s and Broker s License. Transportation Through coordinating route planning and delivery schedules this Company seeks to realize the dual benefits of reduced fuel consumption and lower exhaust emissions. We have replaced our VW vans with newer and more fuel efficient Ford vehicles. This has reduced our fuel consumption by 15%. The Supply Chain We select and work with our suppliers in an endeavour to ensure that they recognise and reduce the environmental impact of their products and transportation. Over 90% of our suppliers are based in Norfolk. Wherever possible products are not purchased from abroad, thereby reducing the Company s carbon footprint. The Wider Environment Wild life and surrounding habitats, trees, flora, fauna, archaeological and heritage remains are protected as appropriate. P Hayton February 2012 6
RESPONSIBILITIES FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF THE POLICY Company Secretary/Director Works Manager Foreman Company Secretary. Works Manager Overall responsibililty. Development of Policy. Policy review and audit Identification of responsibilities for employees and legislation implementation Development of training programmes and procedures. Impact awareness Assessment of aspects and impacts of company activities. Quality control Foreman Development of improvement programme. Quality control 7