Environment

Battery Powered Equipment

  • We have successfully trialled battery operated equipment, which allow works to continue without the interference of noise in more residential and business areas. 
  • Following a number of trials, battery powered equipment is now being implemented across our sites and all grounds maintenance equipment being replenished and purchased will be battery powered only, wherever possible. The contracts team keep abreast of the latest industry, product technology to ensure the most sustainable and cost-effective options are available to our clients and we have made a commitment to purchase battery only, wherever operationally feasible.


COSHH and Energy Usage

  • All our chemicals / herbicides are carefully selected to ensure they have minimal impact to people and the environment
  • Only the required quantities of such substance are carried on the vehicles for each day minimising the volume of chemical taken to site
  • We monitor our utility usage to keep our consumption energy as low as possible. Our energy efficiency campaign has seen us install LED lighting throughout our site to minimise energy consumption. Our new office and facilities have been designed with energy efficiency in mind

Waste

  • We minimise waste on site by only purchasing the required quantities
  • All waste at our site is segregated and taken away by licensed waste contractors whom are carefully selected and evaluated to ensure as much waste as possible is recycled
  • Green waste collected from Peter Ashley contracts is transferred to our approved licensed green waste contractor, where compost is worked back into the land, and biomass goes to produce green electricity. This reduces the use of manufactured fertiliser which produces a lot of greenhouse gases
  • Zero tree works waste goes to landfill, as logs are used as biofuel and woodchip and brash is taken for composting. Wood chip is donated to local schools for play areas and community projects

On-Site

Composting

We can conduct on-site composting across large sites to be used in the grounds maintenance services and the benefits are:


  • Enriches soil, assisting to retain moisture and suppress plants and diseases
  • Reduces the need for chemical fertilisers
  • Reduces methane emissions and lowers carbon footprint
  • Encourages beneficial bacterial and fungi to break down organic matter to create rich nutrients

Greener De-Icing Technology

  • We have reduced the carbon footprint of our gritting operations by integrating green de-icing technology, including demountable electric gritters
  • Many customers are now concerned about the environmental impact of using high volume rock salt on car parks and entrances. To address this, we have sourced a non-toxic, biodegradable granule


Fuel and Vehicle Management

  • We actively monitor our fuel usage across our fleet and equipment
  • We route plan our jobs with efficiency in mind to ensure minimal travelling distances and subsequent emissions produced. As a regional contractor we are able to keep travelling distances to a minimum
  • At fleet renewal, we always look at more fuel economic options. We aim to move towards hybrid / electric vehicles once they meet requirements for commercial vehicles
  • We only purchase new machinery to reduce fuel consumption and emissions. Our chainsaw oils are biodegradable

Sustainable Procurement

  • Wherever possible, we purchase our materials from local suppliers to be delivered to either our office facilities or work site to minimise the carbon footprint through our supply chain
  • We ensure that where applicable, we use products from sustainable sources. For example, we ensure timber products come from FSC certified sources and come with the appropriate documentation

Expansion and Development of Offices and Facilities 

We aim to protect the environment in all aspects of our business and, in particular, to prevent any adverse environmental effects from the significant aspects of our operations.

One of our main objectives is the expansion and development of our Wilmslow office and facilities. This project is complete and we are beginning to make years of planning a reality.


The heating system installed is an air source heating pump. The benefits of this heating systems are as follows:


• Reduce for CO2 usage by up to 50%

• Use less space than traditional heaters

• Cheaper to run than oil or gas

• Highly efficient proven technology

• Can be fitted to existing solar panels


During the development of this project, we used recycled/reused materials to conserve scarce and non-renewable resources, such as energy in all operations. For instance, concrete was recycled into crushed hard core. The expansion identified wild poppies, which have since been relocated and donated to the local community and one of our customers as an education project.

Reducing Client Environmental Impacts

We aim to assist our clients with their environmental goals and integrate environmental recommendations within contracts, wherever possible. Environmental impact on buildings can be reduced in a number of ways such as:

  • Sourcing materials that minimise effect
  • Rain water harvesting
  • Monitoring and reporting of water consumption
  • Green car parks
  • Green roofs and green walls


Sourcing Environmentally Friendly Materials

To protect areas, such as established wetland areas close to large access road or car parking areas, we can source safe and sustainable alternatives to rock salt, consisting of granules, which do not damage sensitive environments.

Improving Biodiversity

The management team can offer bespoke plans and ideas relating to individual sites and this could include the following:

1. Creating wetland areas to increase biodiversity

2. Introducing wildflowers within planting schemes to encourage biodiversity

3. Flooding prevention measures to protect habitats

4. Introduction of green walls, roofs and car parks

5. Introducing/developing more green spaces

Our contracts team work with our customers to implement greener solutions within their property portfolio. We continually strive to develop environmental initiatives, methods and products with which to advance our service delivery. We recognise the need for innovation, sustainability and added value.


Reducing, Reusing and Recycling

We recycle and reuse materials, wherever possible on various projects.


  • The contracts team research innovative technology and often provide recommendations to enhance sustainability
  • Our data information system (PACE) has eliminated paper usage for our field teams. All schedules, reactive jobs, health and safety and reporting methods etc are followed using this electronic system, connecting all departments, processes and procedures
  • Our office recycles paper usage and printer settings are automatically set on black and white/print on both sides default
  • Plastic/paper cups for all operatives are not permitted within the company


Reducing Employee / Supplier Travel

  • We employ local staff, wherever possible and use local employment sources
  • We aim to recruit staff for remote sites from the local area within the site location
  • Our network of suppliers and specialist subcontractors are sourced locally, wherever possible
  • Approximately sixty percent of all employees live within five to ten miles radius of their site / work base. We have a number of employees that cycle to and from work

Ecology and Biodiversity Case Studies

Download this PDF to view our 3 Case Studies

Download

Supply Chain

We endeavour to protect the environment in all areas of our business and in particular, to prevent any adverse environmental effects from the significant aspects of our operations.

Our approved suppliers are selected and reviewed in line with our accreditations and we encourage our suppliers to follow environmental and social commitments by reducing their environmental impact and social conduct.

Our supply chain is made up of long-term suppliers, who are committed to making a difference and as part of their CSR programmes support various community initiatives and charities, whilst reducing their environmental impact.

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