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Our values – the environment

Latest Environmental Impact Statement (2010)

April 2010: In the last 12 months, Friends House has recycled a total of 48,610kg, which equates to CO² savings of 34,890kg.

As a Quaker organisation we are committed to minimising our impact on the environment in all of our work.

Our aims are: 

  • To use water and energy efficiently and, where possible, reduce use
  • To use more renewable sources of energy
  • To use less, waste less and recycle more
  • To make sure our suppliers and contractors share our values towards the environment
  • To encourage all our building users to make positive environmental choices
  • To reduce our contribution to air pollution, promoting use of public transport, walking and cycling

Activities to support our aims:

Building commitment

We will promote our policy and explain what lies behind it, encouraging staff to contribute to implementation and development. We will set up a staff group to lead in this area in 2009 and will distribute our policy widely.

Water

We will:

  • Record our water consumption and reduce it by at least 5% by 2012
  • Bottle water on site using bottles made from recycled glass
  • Collect waste water for use in the garden and courtyard
  • Consider installation of waterless urinals
  • Use only detergents and cleaners which are phosphate and chlorine free

Energy

We will:

  • Commit to the 1010 campaign by reducing our omissions by 10 % in 2010 
  • Record our carbon footprint and reduce it by at least 20% by 2013
  • Run a switch off campaign to make sure we do not leave appliances on standby
  • Replace light bulbs with low energy ones
  • Review our heating controls, working to zone heating within the building
  • Install thermostats on all our radiators
  • Explore installation of solar panels
  • Look to buying energy from renewable sources

Waste management

We will:

  • Measure and reduce our waste by at least 33% by 2012
  • Recycle all food waste by the end of 2009
  • Source products with environmentally responsible packaging
  • Stop using plastic cups and bottles
  • Use soap dispensers
  • Recycle waste paper and cardboard, unwanted furniture, carpets and other materials
  • Set all photocopiers to print double-sided, use refillable toner cartridges where possible and recycle others
  • Monitor and review paper use annually, use recycled paper wherever we can

Material and resources

We will:

  • Use locally made goods and locally sourced services wherever we can, and buy products manufactured in a sustainable way
  • Take into account the lifetime costs of materials when repairing, altering and rebuilding works are undertaken and ensure that major works are based on principles of sustainability
  • Work only with suppliers who demonstrate that they share our values
  • Offer electronic alternatives to paper for those suitably equipped
  • Use natural paints
  • Invest in our garden and courtyard to create welcoming green spaces

Travel

We will:

  • Encourage car sharing where there is no public transport alternative
  • Help staff buy pedal cycles for travel to work (participating in the government loan scheme)
  • Provide good quality cycle storage
  • Offer season ticket loans for public transport
  • Consider carbon offsetting for travel

Wellness

We will:

  • Provide a clean and healthy office environment
  • Improve secondary glazing to reduce traffic noise
  • Ensure good maintenance of our air handling system
  • Promote healthy lifestyles, healthy Eating campaigns and wellness awareness activities
  • Plan staff events to help improve the environment of others locally

Paul Grey
Head of Hospitality and Facilities
October 2009