RENEWABLES
Managing social, economic and environmental responsibilities
Our sustainability framework, RENEWABLES, enables Interserve to address and manage social, economic and environmental issues, which work in synergy with one another.
The award-winning framework includes our:
- Sustainability policy
- Guide to sustainable development
- Case studies
- Performance measures
Each letter of RENEWABLES represents a sustainability topic and our approach is aligned to governments' guiding principles and shared worldwide priorities. This helps us to discharge our responsibilities, improve on our performance and bring added value to our clients.
Raw material use
Interserve understands that consumption of raw materials needs to be sustainable, especially when finite non-renewable resources are used up and where consumption puts excessive pressure on renewable sources. Extraction and processing of virgin materials has significant direct and indirect impact on local environments and communities, whilst unmanaged timber extraction damages eco-systems and reduces carbon dioxide absorption.
Of prime importance is the need to minimise the consumption of raw materials and the amount of wastage. Where raw materials are used in our contracts their sourcing is governed by our sustainable procurement policy that ensures the ethical and environmental credentials of the entire supply chain. We minimise the use of non-renewable raw materials. We urge our staff and suppliers to rethink the need and to reduce, re-use and recycle, particularly for products at the end of their life. Sustainable procurement can prevent the negative impacts of materials use and ensure the robustness and security of the supply chain, benefiting our customers and the planet alike.
Case studies
Energy
Interserve recognises that we live and work in an energy-intensive manner and that most of the energy we use is derived from limited resources such as oil and gas. Most importantly, their consumption leads to increases in greenhouse gas emissions, rises in the direct cost of energy and increases in rates of taxation. Cutting down energy use can therefore lead to direct reduction in costs and lower greenhouse gas emissions.
Adopting an energy strategy can aid success by:
- Reducing demand
- Meeting end use efficiently
- Suppling from low or zero carbon sources
- Ensuring sound energy management
Interserve supports the use of renewable or low carbon sources of energy, particularly at a local level, helping create jobs. We reduce use through changes in behaviour, more effective use of equipment and investing in efficient technology. We have had significant success reducing the energy used in our own offices and we work closely with our clients to help them improve their energy management. We assess the energy performance of buildings and implement considerable improvements.
Case studies
Noise, nuisance and dust
At Interserve, we have a wide scope of ability to manage noise, nuisance and dust throughout our activities and we are proud recipient of numerous Considerate Constructors Awards.
Noise and unwanted sound can affect productivity, impact on the quality of life and directly affect health, whether it is environmental noise (e.g. transport noise), neighbourhood noise (from people and activities) or neighbour noise. It has been estimated that the cost of noise pollution in the UK from environmental noise alone is between £7 billion and £10 billion per year. Statutory Nuisance covers many types of nuisance including artificial light, dust, odour, insects and it can include neighbour and neighbourhood noise. Nuisance is also known to affect people's quality of life and a Royal Commission report calls for further research due to concerns that artificial light may have an adverse ecological impact.
Case studies
Emissions
Rising levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere are a concern and main factor in climate change, evidenced by frequent extreme weather events. The majority of greenhouse gas emissions are associated with energy use, including transport, but there are significant contributions from food production, waste disposal and refrigeration. The concern about greenhouse gases has lead to legislation to control emission levels to air, water and land as well as governmental incentives to increase the use of energy from renewable and low carbon technologies.
Interserve has experience of pollution prevention and has implemented a number of initiatives to reduce the emissions from our fleet of vehicles. We have expertise in the specification and installation of renewable energy technologies in the construction and refurbishment of buildings. Download Interserve’s guide to Carbon Reduction Commitment 2010.
Case studies
Water
Interserve understands that the management of water is a priority not only globally but also locally for businesses and communities. As the world's supply of clean, fresh water is steadily decreasing and demand already exceeding supply in many parts of the world, the need to reduce our demand for water, use it efficiently, utilise recycled/reclaimed water and create flood resistance is becoming more eminent. This is likely to intensify as the population continues to rise and it is inevitable that water costs will also rise.
Interserve is experienced in a range of solutions including constructing flood defences, installing rain water recycling systems and sustainable urban drainage, as well as facilitating water savings incorporating water-saving devices.
Case studies
Adapting buildings for climate change
As the effects of climate change are felt, buildings can be adapted in order to save energy, cut costs and reduce carbon. Interserve has the skills and experience to ensure that the operations of existing estates are effectively carried out and that proposals for adaptation for climate change can be fully evaluated during the planning and design processes for new buildings or refurbishments. When we refurbish and upgrade our clients’ estate we audit energy usage and provide solutions to eliminate wastage and improve efficiency, utilising an array of energy-saving technologies and tools including:
- Renewable energy
- Lighting
- Sub-metering
- Insulation
- Windows
- Heating
- Building management systems
We also consider potential changes in environmental factors such as rising temperatures and extreme rain and wind events.
Many buildings will fail to perform to their users’ expectations and some will become unused as the needs of business and society change. However, it is often not appropriate to demolish and completely replace them.
Case studies
Being, health & wellbeing and communities
Health, work and wellbeing are closely connected. In modern societies, work is proving to be good for you, the economy and the community but with one million people reporting sick each week in the UK, businesses suffer, highlighting the importance of the health, safety and wellbeing of employees. Running an ethical business with robust governance and policies on quality, health, safety and environmental, equality and diversity enables Interserve’s good practice. Provision of sound welfare and good work conditions with health screening supports the approach and reduces absences.
We hold registration to ISO 9001 (quality), OHSAS 18001 (health and safety) and ISO 14001 (environmental) for our management systems. We have also developed and implemented management systems for our customers.
Engagement with communities and support of charities not only benefits these groups but also enhances the wellbeing of company participants and the company itself. In addition to direct charity support and community engagement we have experience in organising campaigns for our clients.
Case studies
Land use
The value of land, diverse countryside and the natural habitats it supports are well established. Interserve’s responsible procurement policy can ensure that where natural resources are being used they come from sustainable sources as well as ensuring that no deforestation or other damage to the environment is occurring.
Our well-planned activities, in many cases, can enhance the natural environment, increase biodiversity and provide a valuable resource for local communities. Interserve carries out environmental impact assessments and delivers effective control and mitigation measures for construction works.
Extensive legislation is in place to prevent damage to the landscape and natural environment, including planning and environmental legislation to prevent pollution. Where work is being carried out it is necessary to minimise actual damage and to compensate for any disruption.
Case studies
Economic considerations
Economic considerations are one of the three pillars of sustainability, alongside social and environmental. Interserve understands that reaching the right balance of these three areas leads to achieving sustainable development.
In a global society, however, the challenge to achieve the balance is magnified. Developed countries are already heavy consumers of goods with associated sustainability impacts, although there is now widespread recognition of the consequences and an increasing will to address them. In developing nations, the exploding numbers in population, who aspire to a high consumer lifestyle, are already becoming evident. Reaching these goals irresponsibly would have an adverse effect on sustainability. Not reaching them could cause unrest and unstable nations with potential economic effects on us all.
Interserve continues to evidence sound performance annually. Strong economic performance enables continuation of business and sharing of wealth to the benefit of society as a whole. Implementing best business practice and minimising business risk alongside ensuring sound investments helps achieve this.
Case studies
Solid and hazardous waste
At Interserve, when addressing waste we think of the three Rs – Reduce – Re-use – Recycle, each of which will help maintain the value of the existing item or material. Any waste produced has a cost in terms of the raw materials used to create it and for its safe collection and disposal. Significant emphasis is given on minimising the potential environmental impact where waste has to be disposed of, as well as avoiding sending waste to landfill.
Effective waste segregation and streaming ensures maximum opportunities are available for recycling, composting biodegradable materials and recovery of energy from combustible waste. Interserve has a wide range of experience in waste management and can support and advice on the development of effective waste management strategies.
Case studies
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