Consideration of the impact that our organisation’s activities has on the environment is key to the successful management of our business. Our environmental management system, accredited to BS ISO 14001, not only allows us to address these impacts but to continually review our performance and to identify new innovative ways of working.
Arcus’ commitment to the environment is outlined within our Environmental Policy to:
- Continually assess the environmental effects of our activities
- Reduce the company’s carbon footprint
- Look for opportunities to implement energy efficiencies within our designs
- Minimise the production of waste
- Minimise the depletion of raw materials through the promotion of recyclable and renewable materials
- Train our staff in environmental issues
- Work with our partners and clients to promote and enhance sustainability
Reduce/Recycle/Reuse
At Arcus we continually review our processes to try to eliminate waste. We have recycling facilities
in all of our offices and work closely with our waste Management partners to improve these
facilities and to reduce waste that is sent to landfill.
Travel
To avoid unnecessary travel we provide teleconferencing facilities in all offices. Where
teleconferencing is not appropriate, car sharing is encouraged. Employees travelling long
distances are encouraged to use the most environmentally friendly method of transport.
Products
We actively source paper products from renewable sources and where the paper is printed the
ink used is recyclable. It is important when sourcing any paper based product that the supplier
conforms to the best possible environmental practices.
Equipment
When purchasing electrical equipment we review the Energy Efficiency Rating of items and always
look to purchase those with the highest related performance. The use of ‘Ecobutton’ Personal
Computer power saving devices is helping us reduce our carbon footprint and save money on our
electricity bills.
Supply Chain
Where Arcus has an influence over the supply chain, we look to work with those organisations
whose environmental policies reflect our own. Our robust assessment process, accredited to BS
ISO 9001, allows us to fairly assess suppliers' environmental systems, processes and performance.
Offices
Arcus aims to maintain environmentally friendly offices through the implementation of our systems
and processes as identified above. This is monitored and addressed through our Carbon Footprint
assessments and Carbon Offsetting initiative.
Delivering Schemes
The designs and specifications of buildings are carefully prepared taking into consideration the
client’s brief and good environmental practices. Our designs fully exploit the surrounding
environment and promote retention of key landscape features and the creation of wildlife habitats.
We promote reduced carbon emissions by encouraging the use of materials that are sourced locally. Wherever possible within our specifications and designs we seek to reduce ‘embodied energy’ by specifying materials that require less energy intensive construction methods.
Arcus understands the need to ensure the protection and safety of the public and community when delivering schemes. This is addressed at the outset of a project by an ‘impact analysis’ which assesses environmental concerns such as: noise/dust reduction; motor traffic; and end user management.
We work in close collaboration with the construction team to ensure construction works are carried out with the minimum of waste whilst maximising the recycling, salvaging and reuse of waste materials from the works.