Chime and the Environment
Like every other business, we use resources and produce waste, but in terms of actual environmental impact, our emissions are not that significant. Where we can and do have an impact is through the messages we give about ourselves, and through our work helping clients to communicate their values and reputation. We believe that everyone has a responsibility for addressing climate change; as a communications group, we have a particular responsibility in enabling environmental messages to be heard. The starting point for that, of course, is with our own actions.
During 2007 our emissions reduction campaign was run via our team of Climate Change Champions, each representing a brand or business within Chime. This team has been driving forward the process of the Group becoming carbon neutral from January 2007, collecting the data required for establishing our initial footprint and coordinating the various initiatives targeting emissions reductions.
In February 2008 the Climate Change Champions won the "Climate Change Leader" prize at the Chime Cymbal Awards which celebrates excellence within the Group.
In 2007 we targeted an emissions reduction of 30% for our first year. We also acknowledged that the changes required would take time and, if to be lasting, should not be rushed. However, our staff have embraced the concept of working greener can mean working smarter and by the year end delivered a saving of 37%.
This was achieved by a number of small infrastructure changes; by taking the initiative to our existing supply chain and by the behavioural changes made by staff in adopting more recycling and using less power and alternative office materials etc.
Supply Chain.
Our supply partners have been willing partners in this project, providing data capture systems for establishing our footprint and actively working with us to deliver improved environmental performance on both sides. We have learnt from each other and we are pleased they acknowledge that their participation will be mutually beneficial but more importantly to the environment.
Carbon Offsetting
At the end of 2006 we established our carbon footprint at 3100 tonnes of CO2. However, in assessing our offset requirements we factored in our potential growth, both organic and by acquisition. We offset 4200 tonnes CO2 as a result. For 2008 we have purchased a further 2200 tonnes of offset.
Offset Projects
As carbon neutrality is a staff led project within Chime we poll our workforce in order to select appropriate projects for our carbon offset.
In 2008 the Group invested in three projects:
- Kotmar Waste Heat Recovery, India
This project recycles heat produced as a by-product of a steel plant, using it to produce electricity which is subsequently fed into the local grid. - Rhine-Ruhr Gas Power, Germany
This project captures methane gas from three abandoned coal mines. Methane is 21 times more potent than CO2 as a greenhouse gas. - Selco Solar Waste Heating Systems, India
This project installs systems in rural communities in Karnataka, India.
Our projects in India recognise it as one of the fastest growing economies and supports sustainable development; the Rhine-Ruhr project provides a solution to a major natural source of greenhouse gases in Europe and, following on from our support of the Selco solar lighting project in 2007, the water heating project delivers additional benefits to local communities, raising standards of living and health in rural India.
Emissions Reductions
We wish to continue to account for, and offset the full impact of our operations. We have been comprehensive in our data collection to establish our footprint and have included areas such as staff commuting and deliveries. In 2007 we purchased sufficient offset to cover our forecast growth. Geographically our spread of operations now extends to the Middle East and to Spain and an additional office in the USA; our operations now encompass our acquisitions; Facts, Fast Track and Corporate Citizenship. These changes will provide further focus for our efforts for 2008.
We have set a conservative emissions reduction target for 2008 of 5%. This is within our reach and will provide an achievable goal for our already engaged staff. We will continue to report on our progress through our financial statements, corporate responsibility reports and via our website www.chime.plc.uk
