The Green List
Since there has been a massive increase by the government to look into how the country is run and ways to make sure there is less environmental impact in doing so, there have been a few awards given as incentives for businesses to put in that little bit extra effort to do their bit for the cause.
One of the awards, which is given is by the Times newspaper, awards companies a place on their 'Green List' based on several different aspects of how they are run.
This includes the procedures which they undergo, the manner in which they do business and whether they have the environment in mind or not.
The companies that make the list must adhere to certain standards and, as it were, gain Cub Scout style badges for being good in different areas, which are then showcased next to their name.
The criteria which the Times uses to compare companies against each other are: The Company's Environmental management system (EMS): an EMS that meets the ISO 14001 international standard.
Green suppliers: more than 80% of suppliers assessed for environmental impact.
Carbon footprint: companies which have calculated their carbon footprint.
Public reporting of green issues: green credentials subject to third-party verification.
Green training: 80% of employees given environmental training on induction.
Water consumption: at least a 3% cut compared to the previous year.
Electricity consumption: at least a 3% cut compared to previous year.
Recycling: at least a 10% decrease in waste production or 10% increase in recycling in nominated waste stream achieved compared with the previous year.
Gas consumption: at least a 3% cut achieved compared to previous year.
Water consumption: at least a 3% cut achieved compared to the previous year.
Green energy: at least part of energy needs sourced from green tariffs.
There are currently only 60 companies in the running for these accolades and some seem to be harder to obtain than others clearly, with having under 50% of the overall companies obtaining some of them.
The idea of the list is excellent though and it means that consumers can look at it and know that they are using some of the best companies around in being good to the environment, or can maybe even change so they are doing so.
Forget taking your cloth bag out with you to the shops; make sure that the businesses you use provide you with services that are as good to the environment as they should be, as you should not be the only one doing your bit.
It is a big responsibility, but with awards now being given, companies will be able to strive to make it onto the list next year.
One of the awards, which is given is by the Times newspaper, awards companies a place on their 'Green List' based on several different aspects of how they are run.
This includes the procedures which they undergo, the manner in which they do business and whether they have the environment in mind or not.
The companies that make the list must adhere to certain standards and, as it were, gain Cub Scout style badges for being good in different areas, which are then showcased next to their name.
The criteria which the Times uses to compare companies against each other are: The Company's Environmental management system (EMS): an EMS that meets the ISO 14001 international standard.
Green suppliers: more than 80% of suppliers assessed for environmental impact.
Carbon footprint: companies which have calculated their carbon footprint.
Public reporting of green issues: green credentials subject to third-party verification.
Green training: 80% of employees given environmental training on induction.
Water consumption: at least a 3% cut compared to the previous year.
Electricity consumption: at least a 3% cut compared to previous year.
Recycling: at least a 10% decrease in waste production or 10% increase in recycling in nominated waste stream achieved compared with the previous year.
Gas consumption: at least a 3% cut achieved compared to previous year.
Water consumption: at least a 3% cut achieved compared to the previous year.
Green energy: at least part of energy needs sourced from green tariffs.
There are currently only 60 companies in the running for these accolades and some seem to be harder to obtain than others clearly, with having under 50% of the overall companies obtaining some of them.
The idea of the list is excellent though and it means that consumers can look at it and know that they are using some of the best companies around in being good to the environment, or can maybe even change so they are doing so.
Forget taking your cloth bag out with you to the shops; make sure that the businesses you use provide you with services that are as good to the environment as they should be, as you should not be the only one doing your bit.
It is a big responsibility, but with awards now being given, companies will be able to strive to make it onto the list next year.
