Travis Perkins reduces carbon footprint

Travis Perkins and Wickes Head Offices have launched an employee initiative designed to cut the company's carbon emissions by over 93 tonnes per annum.

To coincide with the forthcoming World Environment Day on 7th June 2007, Travis Perkins and Wickes Head Offices have launched an employee initiative designed to cut the company's carbon emissions by over 93 tonnes per annum.

Known as Travis Perkins' Environment Awareness Week, the scheme will run from 4th to 8th June and will encourage employees to save energy by switching off PCs, monitors, printers, vending machines and photocopiers outside of working hours.

The week will begin with employees at the companies' two main offices in Northampton and Harrow switching off over 800 electrical items, saving power and money - a practice that the company hopes will continue long after the week is over.

As part of Travis Perkins' Environment Awareness Week, the company has joined forces with organisations such as Biffa, Philips and Lyreco.

Philips is donating over 1,000 energy saving light bulbs, one for each member of staff based at the participating offices, which when replacing their standard bulbs at home, will cut emissions by over 56 tonnes each year.

In addition, Lyreco is providing a number of recycled pens for employees, Biffa is providing recycling bins and Travis Perkins is giving all staff colourful coasters made from 100% recycled materials which will serve as a reminder of the week and its goals.

The week will see a different theme introduced each day based on the company's four environmental targets - carbon management, waste management, timber management and pollution.

To achieve such targets, Travis Perkins has put in place an Environmental Management System to manage its environmental responsibilities, which, in time will become integrated into its overall business operations.

The Management System, which is already integrated across the Travis Perkins merchanting brands, will help improve environmental performance and assist with legislation compliance.

The Management System is due to be rolled out to the Wickes retail brand shortly.

John Leader, environment manager, Travis Perkins said: "In addition to the efforts we are making during our Environment Awareness Week, we are also introducing plans to increase the percentage of energy we obtain from sustainable sources - with the aim of reaching 100% by October 2007".

"There is certainly a huge amount to look forward to and we hope that all our head office and support centre colleagues get fully involved during the week".

"We really want to get the message across to colleagues that they have the power to change the environment for the better and that all actions - however small - make a difference.".

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