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How Elsevier Is Helping Save the Environment
Elsevier is committed to caring for the environment through good management practices in connection with all our operations and working closely with statutory bodies so our operations meet applicable legislation. We achieve this commitment through a number of means.
Each year, Elsevier takes part in the Reed Elsevier Group Environmental Survey. Information collected forms part of Reed Elsevier’s annual Corporate Responsibility Report and more importantly helps guide our environmental decision making.
Local engagement is a key element in our environmental program. Over the last 18 months, Elsevier has been establishing local gREen Teams to help reduce or mitigate our company’s environmental impacts at local levels.
Recycling is another important part of our environmental program. During 2006, Elsevier locations in Europe recycled 16 tons of redundant IT equipment. Of waste generated at our Kidlington location in the UK, 108 tons (or 79%) during 2006 was recycled via a mixed waste scheme. Mixed waste (including magazines, cardboard, paper cups and plates, aluminium cans, plastic bottles and other small soft plastic items) are collected via boxes throughout offices and then stored in a compactor. This material is ultimately sorted by a materials waste recycling facility, baled and recycled. Our Oxford location also recycles lamps and small hazardous items (e.g., batteries, toner cartridges) via local recycling schemes and donates surplus furniture and stationery to schools and community groups.
Along with recycling, we encourage reduction. Our warehouse in Linn, Ohio in 2006 reduced water usage by 12%, electricity usage by 5.5% and gas usage by 22%.
When it comes to infrastructure, environmental awareness guides construction or selection of Elsevier’s buildings. Radarweg, our Amsterdam building constructed in 2004, features an energy efficient climate control system; movement detection lighting; and energy saving apparatuses in the restaurant. Where possible, office locations are chosen with a view to good access to public transportation. Always, staff are encouraged to travel to work via public transport or carpool.
At Elsevier, we regard helping the environment as a mission belonging to us all.
Reed Elsevier’s gREen Teams Nurture Nature
In 2006, a Reed Business Information gREen Team
helped clean up Harlem's St. Nicholas Park. Here
we see the team taking a deserved rest!
To help carry forward Reed Elsevier’s environmental objectives, we’ve set up gREen Teams covering 75% of our key facilities and involving some 400 employees. gREen Teams focus on environmental improvements at the local level.
Each year we focus on one of our core environmental impact areas. In 2006, this was transport and our Hollywood magazine, Variety, produced a poster encouraging employees to consider environmentally friendly travel options. Also during the year, gREen Teams ran environmental fairs, providing advice on commuting alternatives, ran bike weeks and hosted presentations from external consultants and government bodies. Further, on World Environment Day in June, Reed Elsevier CEO Crispin Davis sent a special message to all staff.
Throughout each year, conference calls bring together gREen Teams to share best practices and ideas. Last year, these exchanges blossomed into several notable efforts. For example, the gREen Team at Elsevier’s office in Chevy Chase, Maryland recognized the environmental impacts of using bottled water and worked with their facilities department to switch to a filtered water system. The change saved approximately US$2,700 annually, eliminated the problem of bottle storage and avoided environmental impacts (like petrol and emissions) associated with transported bottled water.
gREen Teams have also promoted environmental volunteering. José Martinez, a gREen Team champion at the Reed Business Information office in New York, organized a day for colleagues to clean up St. Nicholas Park in Harlem. Using paid volunteer days available to all RE staff, the group painted and spread mulch in the park under the guidance of the New York City Parks Department.
gREen Teams help us reduce our environmental footprint on a local basis. They engage colleagues throughout our company on environmental issues and empower all Reed Elsevier staff to make a difference.
www.reed-elsevier.com/index.cfm?articleid=1325
