RESOURCE EFFICIENCY

• Posted on 3rd Sep ’07 at 12:42 BST

How UKOS Is Cutting Costs And Its Carbon Footprint

Working with the Hertfordshire Resource Efficiency Club, UKOS PLC has recently implemented a twelve step Resource Efficiency Programme at it’s Hemel Hempstead warehouse and office complex.

The objectives of the programme are to ensure that the company reduces the costs associated with its electricity, gas, and water utilities by 20% by August 2007 and promotes activities that lead the way to a greener environment.

Twelve Steps To A Smaller Carbon Footprint At UKOS

1. Switching Off Office Lights – UKOS has asked all of its staff to switch off room lights if they leave offices or meeting rooms for more than 5 minutes. In addition all staff, from the management team down, have been asked to ensure that at the end of the day all room lights are switched off.
2. Switching Off Monitors At Night – Staff have been asked to switch off computer monitors when not in use and especially when they go home.
3. Switching Off Copiers and Printers At Night – Extra vigilance has been asked for in order to ensure that all large electrical equipment such as photocopiers, printers and fax machines are turned off at the end of each day.
4. Switching Off Appliances That Draw Down Energy – Working with the Hertfordshire Resource Efficiency Club all staff have been informed of the importance of turning off appliances at the socket that are drawing down energy while they’re on ‘stand by’, i.e. mobile phone chargers and kettles.
5. Reducing Usage Of Portable Heaters – In an effort to reduce consumption staff have been asked not to use portable heaters if at all possible.
6. Switching Off Non-Required Radiators – UKOS has appointed a Resource Efficiency Monitor who has the responsibility of ensuring that all employees understand the importance of key tasks such as switching off / turning down non-required radiators especially in meeting rooms.
7. Heaters In The Warehouse – Warehouse staff have been asked to only use warehouse heaters when necessary and to turn them off when the warehouse shutter doors are open.
8. Fixing Dripping Taps – UKOS maintenance staff have been asked to deal with all dripping taps as soon as they are reported.
9. Using Eco Friendly’ Alternatives – Delivery staff have been issued with eco friendly’ detergents for vehicle cleaning purposes.
10. Reusing Paper – Staff are encouraged to reuse paper i.e. for the fax machine and printers and to use both sides of the paper when writing, drawing or photocopying. The Resource Efficiency Monitor has set up a collection tray in each room for paper that’s only been used one side.
11. Reducing Transport Costs – Staff are encouraged to walk/cycle/car share to work at least one day a week.
12. Installing Energy Saving Fluorescent Tubes – UKOS has implemented a programme to replace all fluorescent tubes with energy saving

How To Find Out More

To learn more about how your company can reduce its carbon output and in the process reduce costs, contact you local Resource Efficiency Club using the guides available at http://www.envirowise.gov.uk/page.aspx?o=163632