Environment
As a Group, we are mindful of the environmental impact of our business activities and the consequences for climate change.
We are currently developing an environmental policy that will cover compliance with environmental legislation, setting objectives, measuring and addressing direct and indirect environmental impacts and reporting on impacts to all stakeholders. The Board has responsibility for the environmental policy.
A preliminary review has confirmed that the group’s direct environmental impact is low.
The following priorities have been identified:
- minimising electricity and water usage, with the immediate focus on reducing electricity consumption at stores;
- reducing waste by minimising paper usage;
- considering the impact of transport fleets and minimising emission rates; and
- reducing the consumption of materials, mainly packaging.
Suppliers are encouraged to manage the indirect environmental impact of their businesses.
An external service provider is to be appointed this year to undertake a baseline assessment of the group’s carbon footprint. Following an evaluation of the results the environmental policy will be finalised and an environmental programme developed.