Environment

CARBON EMISSIONS

In order to mitigate the effects of global warming, Southwood Waste Management (SWM) has been working towards the reduction of its carbon emissions by planting over 55,000 native trees and shrubs in the local area.

The company is also planning to develop and expand its composting facilities to reduce the methane emissions when biodegradable waste is landfilled. Methane is a much more potent greenhouse gas, as well as being explosive.

ENVIRONMENT POLICY

The growth of environmental accountability is an area where the waste management industry has increasing pressure and is now the most regulated industry in the UK. Following this trend, standards are increasing constantly and so SWM is starting to implement its own Policy and Environmental Management System (ISO14001).

Customers are also asking for the most sustainable option and consumers for the most environmentally responsible products. Southwood Waste Management hereinafter called "the Company" are constantly innovating ahead of the markets and legislation in order to invest in the most ethically sound way.

The aims and objectives of the Environmental Policy are as follows:

To meet and where practicable, exceed, all legislative, regulatory and other requirements appropriate to our business.
To work towards the reduction of landfill as a waste disposal option and to promote the use of recycling and recycled goods.
To promote optimum and efficient use of resources in the materials we use and the products we manufacture.
To ensue that the Company's sub-contractors and major suppliers are aware of and apply similar environmental standards in line with the Company's own policies.
To work towards a reduction in energy use and supply of electricity from renewable sources.
To use Low Emission Vehicles, reduce excessive fuel consumption and investigate alternative fuels for our transport infrastructure.
To ensure we have effective emergency planning to minimise the risk of pollution and environmental disturbance.
To encourage the co-habitation of our site with other wildlife, such as mammals, wildfowl and aquatic species.
To reduce visual and noise impacts through soil bank screening and extensive landscaping using a diversity of locally specific native species.
To ensure that employees understand how their actions affect the environment and the health & safety of their fellow workers.
To be open when employees, customers and neighbours ask reasonable questions about our environmental performance.
Ensure these aims are achieved by the use of appropriate procedures and management systems with regular reviews and consultation