Sustainability Policy

All members of the team, at every level throughout the company, are expected to recognise his or her responsibility to comply with this policy, together with the laws and regulations intended to protect the environment.

The effectiveness of this policy will be monitored on a regular basis. This policy will be revised as often as is appropriate to continue to ensure that any adverse impact of our activities on the environment and communities in which we live, and work are minimised.

Routes Healthcare is committed to minimising any unfavourable effect its activities may have on the environment, or quality of life of local and global communities in which we live and work. We aim to be a good neighbour and a responsible member of society.

We recognise the need to comply with all laws and regulations, especially those that serve to protect the environment. We will use policies and procedures that will ensure the conservation of natural resources, whilst minimising the impact on our operations.

Routes Healthcare believes that environmental issues such as pollution, waste management, energy and water conservation, transport issues and the recycling of resources, should be important items on the agenda of the modern employer. Routes Healthcare believes that it has a duty to act in a responsible, sustainable, and ethical way and to work towards contributing to nationally agreed environmental objectives. The organisation understands that the aim of such sustainable development is to maintain the quality of the environment, both now and for generations to come.

This includes:

the conservation of energy, wood, paper, horticulture, and water
the reduction of pollution, especially pollution by ozone depleting substances, vehicle emissions, asbestos, hazardous substances, batteries, solvents and paints, biodegradables, and litter
the procurement of supplies and resources from renewable or environmentally friendly sources
responsible waste management.
Health and wellbeing of human resources.

Measures

In order to improve its environmental management and to ensure that all its activities and developments are as sustainable as possible. Routes Healthcare will:

Conduct a regular audit of its processes and wastes to identify areas where it can commit to long term waste reduction targets.
Reduce waste levels by reusing whatever can be reused.
Develop a recycling system in collaboration with local authorities, other local businesses, and waste disposal organisations, particularly about materials such as paper, tins, glass, plastic, cardboard, and other packaging.
Recycle printer ink cartridges and consumables wherever possible.
Dispose of all electrical equipment according to the Directive on Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (the WEEE Directive), including such things as computer equipment, fridges, and freezers.
Use energy efficient and low power equipment wherever possible.
Ensure that all buildings, pipes, and lofts are properly insulated and maintained in such a way as to be as energy efficient as possible.
Conserve power and water by encouraging staff to: - Turn off non-essential lights and power sources when not in use. - Keep windows and doors closed when using heating.
Report and repair malfunctioning thermostats on radiators and dripping taps immediately.
Only use as much water as is necessary.
Reduce the harmful effects of car exhausts and congestion by maintaining vehicles in good condition and by cutting back on unnecessary journeys wherever possible.
Ensure that potentially dangerous substances are used as little as possible and are disposed of properly.
Ensure that staff are trained to comply with this policy