Shropdoc’s commitment to a greener future
As we mark World Environment Day we want to take the opportunity to celebrate the steps we’ve already taken - and those we continue to take - to reduce, reuse and recycle at Shropdoc.
Our Sustainability and Environmental Policy
Our actions are driven by our Sustainability and Environmental Policy, which outlines our long-term commitment to environmental responsibility.
We have recently launched our new Carbon Reduction Plan and have begun the process of measuring and reducing our carbon emissions annually, with the aim of continuous year-on-year improvements.
Everyday actions
Our focus on digitalisation across the organisation is greatly reducing our reliance on paper and also empowers individuals and teams to achieve their roles through agile work practices. Examples of this include digital systems such as Adastra, Radar, Rotamaster, as well as digital documentation and virtual checking such as for DBS, AbodeSign, flu vouchers and driving licence checks.
We encourage all of our staff, and contractors, to recycle too. To make this as easy as possible, we have designated areas for staff to drop off recyclable items which they use throughout the day, such as coffee cups, ready meal trays and even dead batteries and ink cartridges.
Many of our staff are green-fingered and regularly exchange plants, cuttings and seeds to fellow gardeners, currently seasonal plants such as cucumber and tomato, and even some house plants. This is a simple but great way to grow-your-own (which has zero carbon emissions, as there's no additional transportation involved) as well as create a positive habitat for wildlife. It's also a fun way to grow your own office plant for your desk, creating a healthy work environment too.
Buying locally
Wherever possible, we buy products locally, such as for catering, flowers and other supplies.
This ensures that our carbon footprint is kept to a minimum, as well as supporting businesses within our local community. Reviewing our supplier's carbon emissions is part of our Carbon Reduction Plan commitment.
Paper and card recycling
Although our paper usage has dramatically reduced due to our drive towards digitalisation, we, of course, still need paper and card sometimes - but we ensure this is always recycled. For those working at hospitals and bases, we adhere to each hospital’s recycling strategy, as detailed in their Green Plan.
Plastic and glass recycling
We go through a lot of plastic milk bottles at Shropdoc as our staff love a cuppa! All those used plastic bottles get recycled via our Viola Recycling Boxes located in the staff kitchen areas.
Printer cartridge and IT surplus equipment recycling
Used printer cartridges from our photocopying machines are recycled via the Printer Cartridge Recycling Box and we recycle all IT equipment that no longer has any use for us. Unwanted IT equipment is sent periodically to an external asset deconstruction company, who strip it down to basic components and extracts precious metals.
We also offer all employees the opportunity to also bring in their own unwanted IT equipment, which can then be recycled, at no cost to the individual.
Hybrid electric vehicles and Cycle to Work scheme
By the end of 2025 we aim for all our vehicle fleet to be hybrid electric and our employee ‘Cycle to Work’ scheme encourages staff to get on their bike - not only does this help the environment, but also keeps our staff fit and healthy too.
Surplus furniture and equipment reusing
When furniture and equipment is no longer required by a certain department, whenever possible we reutilise it elsewhere across business. This might mean that the whole item is reused or that it is used in part, such as in the repair of another item of similar furniture.
When the furniture is no longer required at all by us (in totality or in part), we offer surplus furniture to employees and our local community, such as schools and charities, so the items can be reused.
Electricity consumption reduction
We measure emissions to a national standard - Policy Note PPN06/21; ’Taking Account of Carbon Reduction Plans in the procurement of major government contracts’ and we are committed to achieving Net Zero by 2045, which aligns with the NHS target for service providers.
There are many ways in which we are reducing our electricity consumption, and little changes can make a big collective difference. Examples of our electricity reducing actions include installing LED light fittings, promoting the use of e-documents rather than printing, communal water heating/cooling, and only putting the dishwasher on when it is full.
There are many other ways Shropdoc reduce our environmental impact, such as the use of communal mugs, plates, dishes, glasses and cutlery, rather than using disposal items; and also encouraging staff to vehicle share.