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Market Report: Green Zone Responsible approach GenSet has successfully implemented procedures that reflect its commitment to environmental, health and safety issues. The concept of being 'green' is difficult to define, and can mean different things to different people and organisations. For GenSet, it has great significance and many implications, both for its own generator and welding equipment manufacturing operations, and the wider community. As the company's Corporate Responsibility Manager, Dan Evans, explains, "A lot of people think that being green just involves recycling household waste or using equipment that is low in emissions, but it extends much more widely. To us, it is a matter of meeting our corporate social responsibilities (CSR), ensuring we protect the local environment and get involved in the community, as well as 'greening up' our own operations." Confirming its commitment, GenSet has this year gained accreditation in two important standards. ISO 14001 is concerned with having an effective environmental management system throughout an organisation, while OHSAS 18001 is awarded for implementing an appropriate occupational health and safety management system. The south Wales based business achieved both within just eight months. "These are very demanding, but they bring positive benefits," says Dan Evans. ISO 14001 puts in place systems and procedures to address the balance between maintaining profitability and reducing environmental impact of production operations. It also ensures controls are present to minimise the impact that accidents, such as spillages or fires, would have on the local environment. "A particular challenge was to set down specific procedures for our recycling procedures. We segregate everything at source, including cardboard, paper and plastics. This is fed into two special compactors, each of which converts the equivalent of 1.5 skips full of waste into very compact 500kg blocks that are easy to store and can be moved on pallets. Batteries and used oil are also recycled. Office waste, food and other rubbish are also kept separate. "We have also made a commitment to reduce our carbon footprint by 2% by 2009. It is already relatively low, but we can reduce it further with measures such as turning off office equipment and lights in unoccupied rooms. It all helps conserve valuable energy resources. Similarly, we want to ensure that, by the end of this year, we will be sending no waste that cannot be recycled to landfill sites, which is a considerable challenge for a company our size." Recognising its wider CSR obligations, GenSet is also sponsoring three local schools undertaking environmental projects, such as the creation of wild gardens to attract animals and insect life. The company's product ranges reflect environmental considerations. GenSet has just launched the Voyager generator range for installation in vehicles and portable cabins. Available with outputs of 2-19kVA, and in single and three-phase, they have noise levels as low as 58dBA. Sister company, GenQuip, also reports on-going success with its Groundhog welfare cabins range, including the HogLoo, a self-contained environmentally friendly toilet system that was a Green Zone finalist at the Executive Hire Show last February. Health & Safety considerations are also a major priority, and OHSAS 18001 is designed to be compatible with ISO 14001. "Correctly managing these issues requires much more than issuing personal protective equipment (PPE) and undertaking risk assessments," says Dan Evans. "We look at all aspects, from training and raising awareness, to consultation and emergency response measures, and we place emphasis on welfare facilities for staff. "It also gives more pleasant and efficient working conditions. Staff certainly follow all the appropriate procedures, and are aware that we all have to do something to make an environmental difference." • T
01639 777000 Executive Hire News › Archives › September 2008 › Market Report › Responsible approach
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