Reducing our carbon footrpint
We understand the importance of taking steps now to protect our future. It is the responsibility of every one of us to do what we can. As a business which has been established for more than 200 years, we take our role in this very seriously.
In 2021 we set up a carbon reduction committee which produces forward-thinking strategies and identifies opportunities to reduce our carbon footprint. The committee also manages a firm-wide forum, allowing all GA employees to have their say and ensure as many people as possible can put forward ideas and have an impact.
The firm has made a huge number of operational changes and also developed a number of important relationships to limit our impact and make a positive change. Keep scrolling down for more detail.
So, what have we actually done?
- We have undertaken a formal assessment with SWMAS which allowed us to determine our carbon footprint baseline. We now join the top 10% of businesses in Plymouth that achieved a ‘Gold’ quality standard
- As active patrons of the Devon Chamber of Commerce, we understand the value and importance of the “Blue Economy” i.e. living and working near the sea and the need to protect that
- All supplies and merchandise are bought from environmentally friendly sources to ensure the content is bio-degradable or recyclable
- We have ceased printing business cards, and instead use Zappify, saving the printing of hundreds of business cards each year
- We are transitioning to a more paperless office including reducing the number of files stored and thus printing needed
- Our use of water coolers has been reviewed and limited, with only recyclable, paper cups provided
- We have installed energy-efficient, sensor-driven lighting with energy-efficient light bulbs
- Zip taps have been fitted to all floors to reduce water wastage and also the energy needed to heat water which is not use
- We have implemented a cycle-to-work scheme as a benefit for GA staff, saving 25-39% on bikes and accessories
- CSR days – These provide paid leave to staff, providing them with the opportunity to volunteer for worthwhile community work and projects, including park and beach cleans
Social Enterprises
A recent CSR day
Bovisand Plymouth beach clean (and survey for the OSPAR convention), 26th April 2023.
The OSPAR convention is a mechanism by which 15 Governments & the EU cooperate to protect the marine environment of the North-East Atlantic. By joining Marine Conversation Society’s beach cleans to collect data, we can further protect our oceans from marine pollution.
You can view the data collected by one session here.