Simons Group

2006 has seen the broader development of group-wide Environmental Policies under an over-arching Simons Group Environmental Policy. 2007 will also see the first Group Corporate Social Responsibility Report, which will include sections on environmental performance.

An environmental “credential” is essential if Simons wishes to continue to work with many of its  Partnered customers, many of whom are nationally and internationally recognised companies with strong environmental and sustainability policies and strategies of their own. The clear demonstration of Simons commitment to addressing our environmental impacts through the eco-design of its new Headquarters building is an integral part of our strategy.

Simons has recognised its environmental impacts and included energy efficiency and waste reduction strategies in company policies since 2001. The Group Environmental Policy for 2007/8 includes the following two clauses:

• Recognise the environmental impact of the Group’s diverse business activities, and to require each Group operating company to take measures to assess, mitigate and report upon those under their control.
• Take a leading role in mitigation measures in Group-wide activities, and to set an example to the operating companies, particularly in the areas of management processes, office energy and water  use, responsible purchasing of consumables, transportation, and waste.

Whilst Simons does not have an externally accredited EMS, its informal but carefully structured approach to environmental issues has been the subject of many favourable customer audits over the years. Equally, over the past eight years, Simons’ efforts have been recognised in many local and national environmental award schemes.

Simons has improved the working environment for all Lincoln staff, bringing the various companies and construction divisions under a single roof, but also reduced the environmental impacts and running costs. The improved communication is already paying dividends, with much more of a “one company” feel. In addition to the obvious running cost savings, the building is a clear statement of Simons’ commitment to minimise environmental impact, not only for customers, but also for our staff, as well as a being clear statement in the design arena for the ability of Simons Design to address sustainability issues.

Just a few of the areas we have reduced the impact of our offices:

Energy - A typical headquarters building energy consumptions is 400kWh/sq.m/p.a. Performance reviews after the first six months show energy use is 219kWh/sq.m/p.a and this is with a refurbished building not a purpose build design!

Water - In addition to the low water use fittings, we have installed rainwater harvesting of roofwater for use in flushing urinals and WCs. Rainwater from the high level plant roof is captured, fed by gravity, removing the need for pumping. We anticipate that during the wetter periods of the year, use of mains water for toilet flushing will be minimal.

Waste - much of the domestic waste is segregated, with integrated systems to separate waste paper, glass, tins and cans, plastic bottles, toner and printer cartridges, mobile phones, etc. These are stored in a purpose-built storage area for collection and recycling.