ZERO-WASTE JOURNEY MAKES COMMERCIAL SENSE
Photo Opportunity: 3rd May 2013, 2pm, Commercial Ltd., Cheltenham, GL53 0DL
Photo Description: 180 Team members, in green outfits, waving goodbye to our landfill waste skip as it is removed (singing ‘it’s not what you do but the way that you do it’)
Additional photos on request.
Commercial Group has smashed its latest environmental target – announcing today it has finally achieved Zero Waste status. Three years in the making, this remarkable feat is to be celebrated by the company hosting a special event next week at its head office in Cheltenham.
The Guardian Sustainable Business Awards nominee, Commercial, began its zero-waste journey in 2008 and, according to the company’s environmental strategist, Simon Graham, it has been a “challenging one”.
Working with select suppliers who have been able to accommodate and recycle their waste has been a major contributor to the success of the initiative. With 290 million tonnes of waste are sent to landfill every year in the UK, it is vital to explore alternatives. “Commercial is doing just that via sustainable leadership”, explains Environmental Strategist, Simon Graham.
“Our message is to think twice before putting rubbish in the ground or burning it. There is a shortage of the very resources we bury in landfill every day, so waste can be a valuable commodity. As Commercial Group is often cited for our approach to sustainability, it is our obligation to be part of the solution, not part of the problem. We want to lead by example and encourage others to do the same.”
Achieving zero-waste has been three years in the making as part of a sustainability commitment. Driven by an ‘Al Gore inspired’ Green Angels team, created by Co-founding Director Simone Hindmarch-Bye, the ambitious goal is now a reality. Commercial’s Green Angels Team 5 focused on the Zero Waste initiative, encouraging colleagues to Reduce, Recycle and Reuse resources sustainably.
“I was inspired five years ago by Denso, who were one of the first companies in the world to achieve zero-waste.” explains Simone. “I thought ‘if they can do it, we can too.’ It has been really challenging – so to finally hit our target is incredibly rewarding. I am really proud of the tenacity of our Green Angels Team 5 who made this a reality.”
To celebrate the achievement, Commercial’s 180 staff workforce will be singing and waving goodbye to waste-to-landfill, and celebrating becoming completely zero-waste. In preparation for Zero Waste Day, Friday 3rd May, Commercial has redecorated their high-energy head office. Walls are emblazoned with brightly coloured graphics proudly illustrating ‘the journey to zero-waste’, stylish new recycling bins and a recycling chute have been installed, with a cheeky hint of artificial turf on display. On the day, all staff will be dressed in green and white. This is a company driven by energy and an infectious enthusiasm, which has clearly helped to bring about the changes in such a short period of time.
Dedicated Green Angel, Hollie Adducci, is clearly proud of the achievement: “As a group we have tackled the issues of complex waste streams, recycling logistics and necessary education. We hope to build enthusiasm and awareness on our launch day, and entice our colleagues to really take an interest in their environment and future resources. Our launch day will be both fun and informative.”
To learn more about Commercial Group, please visit www.commercial.co.uk
ENDS
For further information about Commercial Group please contact Lisa Pringle on 01242 709429 or email lisa.pringle@commercial.co.uk
For images or video requests, please contact Catherine Howe on 01242 703404 or email Catherine.howe@commercial.co.uk
Notes to Editors
Green Angels are a small group of staff from different parts of the business, with different levels of seniority, who work together for a short time on a project based on one of the 10 Commitments. They are tasked to deliver two things – communication and business transformation. The programme has been a huge success, engaging staff in fun activities to improve recycling, reduce commuting, build community and help charities, and has been copied by a number of Commercial’s customers.
About The Commercial Group - With an annualised turnover of £30million, Commercial is one of the UK’s largest office supplies and services companies. In its 20 years of trading it has developed an enviable reputation for challenging its market place and spearheading innovation and excellence to ensure its customers, staff and suppliers remain at the forefront of its development and growth. The company is a Beacon Company for its environmental practice, which is integrated into its strategy, operations and ethos, as well as a Microsoft Gold Certified Partner, Appsense Gold CSP, HP Gold Preferred Partner and VMWare VIP Enterprise Partner. It has ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and FSC Chain of Custody certifications, is a member of the Prince’s May Day Network and has been CarbonNeutral since 2006, the first company in its sector to be so.
Commercial is a ‘responsible’ company, taking responsibility for its environment, local community, suppliers, employees and clients.
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