HR (Aston Webb) – significant impacts on the environment
24/1/2013
1. Wasting paper
The department should refrain from printing out emails and other documents unnecessarily, and
should print double-sided whenever possible to minimise waste paper.
2. Bottled water
The use of a bottled water cooler damages the environment in particular because of the CO2
emissions from the transport of the full and empty bottles. A plumbed in water-cooler would
eliminate most of the environmental impact.
3. Wasting energy
Failure to switch off lights and equipment wastes energy. Particular areas of concern are the
kitchen light being left on and the water heater and computer monitors being left on overnight.
4. Heating issues
The heating in the department is outdated and the rooms are poorly insulated with the result
that some areas are overheated and others are under-heated. This has led to windows being
opened and fans being used in winter, and additional heating being required in late spring.
5. Not re-using or recycling
In addition to using too much paper, waste paper is not always recycled. Waste paper printed on
only one side can also be used to print out draft documents. Envelopes can also be re-used
internally, and should otherwise be recycled.
The situation has improved with the introduction of mixed recycling facilities.
HR (Aston Webb) greening opportunities and action plan
1. Reducing printing
There is an opportunity to reduce printing by sending letters directly from the standard letters
system to the staff database and to payroll.
2. Plumbed-in water cooler **Achieved Nov 2012**
This is a quick and easy opportunity to save money and the environment.
3. Monitoring energy usage
We now have access to energy data which should help us to reduce our energy usage. This will
show whether key pieces of equipment are regularly left on overnight.
4. Greening team function
The greening team will encourage their colleagues to ensure energy is being used efficiently and
waste is avoided.
5. Effective use of blinds
These should be closed at the end of the day in winter to reduce heat loss. They should be
closed in the summer to reduce heat.
6. Re-using paper and envelopes
Waste paper printed on one side can be re-used for notes. Used envelopes can be re-used
internally.
7. Desk lamps
These usually use less energy than overhead lights.
8. Automatic lighting in the kitchen
This would ensure that the light is not left on overnight or when the kitchen is empty for long
periods.
9. Timer on water heater
A timer could be fitted to the water heater for the kitchen as it currently relies on the cleaner to
switch it on and off.
10. Improve energy efficiency
The heating is inefficient and the windows waste a significant amount of energy. Secondary
glazing would reduce heat loss.
Action plan
Theme
Action
Milestones
Timescale
How it will be measured
1.
Reducing
printing
Plumbed-in
water cooler
Monitoring
energy usage
Greening
team function
1. Discuss with IT and software provider
2. Arrange for program to be
implemented
1. Procurement approves new supplier
2. Contact Estates to fit new cooler
1. Contact Estates for data
2. Monitor data on monthly basis
1. Becomes embedded practice
End 2013
2.
Send letters directly to
TokOpen from standard
letters
Replace bottle-fed cooler with
plumbed-in cooler
Monitor statistics to check for
unusual overnight activity
Check equipment switched off
Engage with colleagues
5.
Effective use
of blinds
Close blinds at end of day in
winter
1. Becomes embedded practice
Ongoing
6.
Re-using
paper and
envelopes
Re-use waste paper printed on
one side for notes.
1. Becomes embedded practice
ASAP and ongoing
 Reduction in printing
 Reduction in confidential
waste
 Presence of plumbed-in
cooler
 Stable data or reduction in
usage
 Improvement in energy
usage and waste/recycling
figures
 Reduction in energy usage
 Individuals reporting feeling
warmer
 Reduction in recycling
figures
1. Identify individuals and suitable
locations for desk lamps
2. Check costs
3. Purchase lamps
1. Contact Estates and check cost
2. Arrange for sensor to be fitted
October 2013
 Reduction in energy usage
June 2013
 Reduction in energy usage
1. Contact Estates and check cost
2. Arrange for timer to be fitted
1. Contact Estates to discuss possible
solutions and costs
2. Check budget
3. Fit secondary glazing if practicable
June 2013
 Reduction in energy usage
End 2013
 Reduction in energy usage
 Individuals reporting fewer
draughts
3.
4.
7.
8.
Desk lamps
Automatic
lighting in the
kitchen
9. Timer on
water heater
10. Improve
energy
efficiency
Re-use used envelopes
internally.
Provide additional desk lamps
Fit MIR sensor in kitchen
Fit timer to water heater for
hot tap in kitchen
Address issue of heat loss
through windows
End 2012
March 2013 and ongoing
Ongoing