environmental policy
4C Associates Limited and its associated companies (“4C”) are committed to minimising the impact of their activities on the environment and embrace the model of the 3Es of aspiration: energy, economy and environment.
We recognise that there is a need to constantly consider ways in which we can conserve energy and minimise waste in all activities that we undertake. 4C maintains a publicly available environmental policy that is available on our website.
This policy is communicated to everyone working for or on behalf of the organisation. 4C actively acknowledges its responsibility to protect the environment in all areas of its work, and it remains committed to reducing its impact upon the environment in the following ways:
waste management
We seek to minimise waste by evaluating operations and ensuring they are as efficient as possible. We are committed to working with our staff and suppliers to ensure that all waste is disposed of in line with legal and environmental requirements.
recycling and use of recycled materials
We use and promote the use of recycled materials whenever possible, ensuring that materials are disposed of in an environmentally safe manner, at the end of their useful life.
energy conservation
It is our policy to make efficient use of natural light within our building and to conserve energy by adopting an ‘only turn on when using’ approach to equipment. Our registered office uses a reactive light system that minimises wasted electricity.
emissions
We are committed to minimising carbon emissions in the operation of our business and those of our clients. We offer employees access to a hybrid and electric car benefit scheme.
The energy that 4C uses is from renewable sources. We offset the remaining “hard to abate” emissions through an accredited quality carbon offset programme in order to ensure our business is carbon neutral. With the necessary offsets, 4C achieved carbon neutral status for 2021 and will publish a Qualification Explanation Statement (“QES”) as part of the self-certification process under BSI PAS2060.
4C supports and encourages working from home, the use of video meetings and conferencing alternatives, and employs remote workers which reduces its corporate reliance upon public transport and the need for staff to drive to attend work. Our registered office is located close to transport links to encourage responsible travel, when required. Our CEO sets an example of environmentally sustainable behaviour by cycling to the office!
4C’s business travel policy aims to minimise use of short-haul flights and encourages use of train travel and remote meetings with clients, an aspiration we seek to incorporate into our client contracts. This supports our Scope 3 carbon reduction commitment as part of 4C’s SBTi target.
We consider the environmental impact when sourcing power on behalf of our clients.
We use an accredited programme to offset the greenhouse gas emissions generated by business activities and international travel for our own business and for that of our clients.
Part of our offering as a consultancy involves employment of a dedicated energy consultant who works with our clients to identify energy and cost savings opportunities that increase sustainability for the clients and at large. 4C is partnering with an energy broker to provide local authorities and universities a platform on which to pre-purchase energy in blocks, through power purchase agreements (“PPAs”), to facilitate costs, energy and environmental benefits.
We are also looking at opportunities to partner with local authorities on retrofitting public housing properties to make them more energy efficient.
Our public sector division is dedicated to identifying opportunities to assist its clients in achieving carbon net zero solutions towards the 2050 target for England and 2030 for Wales. Our consultants have expertise in this sector in particular in regard to government guidance, including but not limited to procurement policy notes, on expectations and solutions.
We are committed to achieving the highest B Corp standards promoted by B Lab Global that encourage best practice by corporations.
reduced use of raw materials
4C is committed to minimising waste of raw materials and strives to create a paper- free environment by limiting the amount of printing that is conducted and encouraging electronic signature of documents.
In-house kitchen facilities reduce the reliance on buying coffees and discarding paper cups.
environmental management awareness
To raise and maintain a high level of understanding of, and participation in, environmental best practices by staff and suppliers.
legal requirements
We are committed to compliance with applicable legal, and with other requirements to which 4C subscribes, that relate to our impact on the environment.
commitment to educating others
We don’t just talk the talk; we walk the walk. 4C has written a book on best procurement practice entitled ‘Private by Head, Public by Heart’. Its ‘Be Responsible’ section incorporates two chapters dedicated to the impacts of an organisation’s actions including on the environment, entitled ‘Deliver Sustainable Outcomes’ and ‘Be Responsible’ – themes which permeate the publication and demonstrate the passion of the organisation.
In-house, we regularly upskill the internal team on sustainability by funding and supporting members of the team through the Cambridge University CISL Sustainability Management course.