5 Jun 2008

Interserve has launched its new Sustainability Guide which will be used by all staff responsible for the provision of facilities and operations and reflects the priorities laid out in the government's Strategy on Sustainable Development.

Called "RENEWABLES", the guide includes practical advice and a checklist for employees and clients to use to enhance sustainability at all stages of a project, from design through construction, through operation to end of life. "Our aim is to provide a practical means of implementing our sustainable development policy and drive a cultural change across the organisation. World Environment Day provides us with the perfect opportunity to launch the guide and encourage employee engagement, participation and learning at the same time.  If each of our 26,000 employees all do something small, we really can make a huge difference," commented Wayne Tantrum, Sustainability Director, at Interserve. The practical nature of the guide is reflected in its name. RENEWABLES is an acronym of 10 sustainable priorities that staff should assess to maximise sustainability: Raw (material use) Energy Noise Emissions Water Adapting (buildings for climate change) Being (health, well-being and communities) Land use Economic considerations Solid and hazardous waste

The guide provides detailed advice against each of the 10 priorities which are supported by best-practice case studies to provide tangible solutions to environmental, social and economic challenges.

Interserve is actively engaging with the Environment Agency and all Interserve offices and sites are being encouraged to celebrate the day and participate in a range of corporate initiatives. These include a pledge site where employees can sign up to environmental measures both at work and at home.

The sustainability of providers is also a key consideration for Interserve. The company is part of the Strategic Supply Chain Group, an organisation bringing together senior executives and board level representatives to consider environmental and sustainability issues in supply chains.

Since joining Interserve's Facilities Management business, Sustainability Director Wayne Tantrum has been working closely with colleagues to deliver sustainable solutions across the Group, an area which is led at Board level by Executive Director, Steven Dance.