News
Companies House registers environmental success
23 February 2010
Companies House has won a prestigious environmental award for the significant waste reductions it has achieved at its site in Cardiff. The organisation, which registers limited companies, is the latest Welsh public sector body to be selected as a ‘Green Star’ in the Welsh Assembly Government’s Public Sector Waste Minimisation Campaign. The campaign has been set up to encourage organisations in the sector to cut their output of waste, which reduces the size of their carbon footprint.
Companies House, based in Cathays, has been proactive at improving its environmental record since 2002. Through recycling, sustainable procurement and staff engagement there has been a significant reduction in waste sent to landfill. In just 2 years, the site has managed to reduce waste sent to landfill by nearly 30% and the recycling rate has increased to over 60%.
A key change at the building, where 1400 staff are employed, has been the creation of a ‘binless office’. This has helped develop a recycling culture within the organisation with everything from paper to batteries now being sent for recycling.
In addition, all food waste from the canteen is sent for composting. Significant steps have also been taken to ensure sustainable procurement for the business. This includes purchasing only 100% recycled paper and placing environmental stationary products as a preferred choice for staff when ordering.
Gareth Leek, environmental manager at Companies House said: “We’re delighted to have been selected as a Green Star in recognition of all the work we’ve done here. There’s been a big culture change in our approach to waste and recycling and this award really is for everyone here that has helped us achieve this. “Winning this doesn’t mean we are going to rest on our laurels. We’re already looking to the future and for ways we can reduce even further the amount of waste we generate.”
The Welsh Assembly Public Sector Waste Minimisation Campaign is being delivered by Envirowise. Ann Stevenson, Envirowise public sector programme director in Wales, said: “Our Green Stars initiative enables us to highlight the good work being done within the public sector to reduce waste, cut carbon and save money and resources. Companies House is a fantastic example of an organisation that is driving forward its environmental policies and having a real impact on waste reduction.”
