Environmental and Sustainability Policy

August 2024

Wilson Vale are committed to sustainable development (meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs) as a guiding principle within our work. Our aim is to reduce the impact of our activities on the environment and this will be a key consideration in our decisions making processes. We will assess the environmental impacts of our operations and set objectives and targets in order to improve our environmental performance. We will measure our performance and regularly review this against our targets.

WE WILL:

Promote environmental sustainability within the organisation and communicate and implement this policy at all levels within the company;
Embrace the latest technologies to reduce energy costs in buildings where we have control;
Reduce the environmental impact of business mileage by improving the fuel efficiency of the business fleet, using public transport (where appropriate) and reducing unnecessary journeys;
Influence and support our clients in good environmental practices;
To work with partner suppliers who support and implement good environmental practices;
To reduce food and resource miles by using local sourcing, where possible. Material and food sourcing will also aim to support organic, ethical and fair trade products;
To choose recycled or biodegradable packaging and stationery;
To reduce waste and recycle, where facilities are available and to work with clients to identify waste recycling options (see below).

LEADERSHIP

The directors of the company are responsible for the overall implementation of this policy and will review performance on a yearly basis. The directors will lead by example and encourage a positive environmental attitude at all levels. Managers at all levels will lead at a local level and provide leadership to their teams.

RECYCLING AND WASTE REDUCTION

Wilson Vale has been committed to recycling and reducing landfill waste since the company commenced trading. Our approach to recycling has been developed on principles of economic and environmental sustainability.

We aim to minimise waste by reducing the use of packaging, particularly plastic packaging, re-using resources where possible, such as re-usable food containers and using consumables which can be recycled. We constantly monitor our waste streams and are always looking for new waste reduction, re-use and recycling options.

We aim to help our clients avoid sending waste to landfill whenever practical and promote waste separation at the point of creation, where possible, at all sites. Our employees understand the importance of correct waste handling and are encouraged to dispose of waste appropriately.

Our approach to waste minimisation and recycling has the following specific aims:

Cultivate a work ethic which promotes waste minimisation and recycling.
Promote economy in the use of paper, plastic and other consumables.
Reduce the use of packaging, particularly single use plastics.
Encourage the purchase of products made of recycled materials and those which have established recycling systems.
Favour suppliers with sound environmental principles and positive recycling and waste management practices.
Minimise waste by encouraging the exchange and re-use of equipment and materials between units.
Develop a waste management strategy which accommodates recycling procedures and initiatives.