Introduction
MarketWatch recognises that a healthy environment is fundamental to the prosperity and wellbeing of our local community. MarketWatch acknowledges that whilst our activities may have adverse effects on the environment, we can take steps to minimise those impacts.
MarketWatch considers that the environment is important and will comply with and, where possible, exceed all environmental regulations, laws and codes of practice, as applicable.
MarketWatch will make a positive contribution to environmental growth by protecting and enhancing the local and global environment. We will ensure that all individuals involved in the organisation (including contractors) are aware of their responsibilities in implementing this environmental policy.
Aims of the Policy
The aims of the MarketWatch Environmental Policy are;
- to promote the importance and value of a quality environment,
- to carry out our work in an efficient way that minimises or eliminates its adverse impact on our environment,
- to promote the development of a Circular Economy.
Climate change
MarketWatch pledges to be fully carbon neutral by 2030. We have/will set out plans for immediate and long-term actions to reach this goal which include;
- encourage staff switch off electrical equipment and unnecessary lights when not in use,
- encourage staff to close windows and external doors when heating is on,
- encourage staff to minimise the use of electric heaters and fans,
- introduce phased replacement of LED bulbs in office premises,
- introduce phased replacement of electrical equipment used on business premises with products of maximum energy efficiency rating,
- switch to 100% renewable energy tariffs for electricity on office premises,
- phased replacement of non-renewable heating sources (oil, gas fired systems) with renewables,
- invest in electric car charging points,
- retrofit office buildings with energy saving measures (glazing, roof insulation),
- undertake an ongoing audit of current emissions,
- track our carbon footprint over time.
Sustainable travel
MarketWatch will;
- promote and support modern working practices, such as remote working amongst staff,
- encourage members and officers to car-share, where possible, when a car journey must be made on business,
- promote and support the use of cycling and public transport,
- ensure all vehicles used for business purposes are serviced and maintained to a high standard.
The use of electric powered vehicles will be pursued where this is a workable alternative.
Water management
MarketWatch is committed to responsible water management and conservation throughout its operations, which include encouraging staff to use water efficiently on business premises.
Waste and recycling
MarketWatch will;
- keep waste to a minimum by preventing, reusing, recycling or recovering waste,
- ensure waste is sorted, stored and disposed of appropriately,
- cease use of single-use plastics on business premises and events,
- recycle all recyclable waste generated at business premises and events,
- use recyclable, compostable and/or recycled products on business premises,
- reduce the production of non-recyclable resources such as laminated or plastic based publicity material,
- minimise the amount of printing and minimise the amount of waste paper,
- utilise electronic communications,
- minimise pollution and prevent where possible (including light, noise, solids, liquids and chemicals).
Procurement
MarketWatch will:
- source materials and services locally so long as the requirements for value for money and quality are met,
- ensure that catering produce, including tea/coffee in offices, is plant-based and sourced from local, organic, fair trade (or other recognised certification schemes),
- ensure that consumables used on office premises (such as cleaning products and inks) are eco-friendly,
- ensure that procurement of goods and services are weighted appropriately to encourage local suppliers thereby promoting the Circular Economy.
Energy use
MarketWatch will:
- undertake an ongoing audit of its existing energy use,
- maintain a plan on how energy use can be reduced,
- procure energy from sustainable sources,
- maximise use of wind and solar energy on its premises.
Circular Economy
MarketWatch will:
- continually audit the materials and services used by MarketWatch,
- develop policies that encourage the development of a Circular Economy,
- promote and encourage the use of local suppliers in procurement policies.
Continuous improvement
We will keep our sustainability policies continually under review and will revise as needed to meet the aims of this policy.