Walking Our Talk
Solarcentury operates according to the ten working principles on which the company was founded. We strive for the highest social and environmental goals and in doing so aim to influence all those we meet and work with throughout our business cycle.
Having already achieved ISO9001, in 2005 Solarcentury established the Walking Our Talk (WOT) team to make sure we live up to our principles. The WOT team focus on monitoring, recording and improving our performance and encouraging new activities and best practice. It includes members from every different level and department of Solarcentury and is run by a 'revolving' chair-person.
Environmental statement
This report lists the initiatives we operated in 2004 to minimise our direct impacts (energy, waste and water) and our indirect impacts with respect to purchasing and influencing clients.
Energy
- We have our own solar PV system on the roof of our London office feeding us clean green electricity, which has generated 7950Kwh to date. Our remaining supply is sourced from Good Energy
- Light bulbs have been removed from all excess lighting fixtures in the building, CFL bulbs are used wherever possible
- All PC screens are on energy saver mode
- All PCs, printers and copiers are turned off at night
- All lights except the stairs turned off at night
- Energy saver features are utilised on all printers and photocopiers
- Savaplugs have been fitted to all fridges
Waste
- Waste paper is used on both sides before recycling
- Staff are actively encouraged to avoid wasteful printing
- Recyclable waste (white paper, cardboard, other paper, compost, glass) is all separated for recycling by loop
- Recycled Files, folders and other stationery are always used until dead
- No polystyrene or plastic cups are used in the company, glasses and mugs are provided
- We actively focus on email and web based communication
- We have a carrier bag and food takeaway reuse scheme
Water
- Digital photography is used where possible to reduce chemical use
- Our stationery is printed on recycled paper using waterless printing techniques by Seacourt and Severn Print
Purchasing
- Recycled Files, folders and other stationery are procured from Paperback and The Green Stationery Company
- Recycled paper is used for all printed materials
- Major suppliers (PV, printing) are assessed for their environmental credentials
- Organic and Fair Trade goods are bought from Suma whenever possible
- In 2004 we have introduced a CSR questionnaire for our suppliers. At this stage in our development the criteria for approval are straightforward and few PV suppliers, if any, fail. However, as Solarcentury and our influence grows so will the stringency of our procurement policy.
Transport
- Our installation and delivery vans are dual fuel and use LPG gas whenever possible
- Public transport is used whenever possible
- Plane use is minimised
- Cycling is actively encouraged through a good mileage allowance, bike purchase loan and storage and washing facilities (50% of staff cycle in summer)
- Car use is discouraged
Community
- We have held internal fundraising events for Sudanese refugees in Darfur and the Tsunami appeal
- We have supported the inclusion of PV a the local Lambeth youth centre
- We have loaned PV to film makers operating in remote locations for good causes. For example Insight News' documentary 'living with hunger'.
- We hold an employee consultation process every 6 months
- We have a team council to represent team views and provide staff feedback
- We have developed and provided lesson plans to support solar systems sold to schools
- Continuing Professional Development (CDP) lectures are offered to architects free of charge
