ISO 14001 is, of course, the international standard based on sound environmental management principles. It has enabled ADP to upgrade its existing environmental management system to meet globally accepted requirements, and is also helping to achieve enhanced performance and continual improvement in line with the firm’s ongoing commitment to ISO 9001:2000.
In practice, the new standard means that processes have been put into effect throughout the company, covering a fleet of security vehicles and a team of over 50 security officers operating in Hampshire, Surrey, Dorset, Sussex and Berkshire. Actions taken include the retraining of all staff in environmentally friendly methods of driving, monitoring fuel use and reducing power consumption at SIA Approved Contractor ADP’s offices.
On an annual basis, the company’s vehicles cover around 300,000 miles and, by implementing some simple driving improvements, the company has seen a reduction in fuel consumption of approximately 9.33%. This has wiped “thousands of pounds” from its annual fuel costs.
Environmental standards in client contracts
In commenting on the company’s ISO accreditation, David Preston – director of ADP – told SMT Online: “We decided to apply for ISO 14001 as a direct result of feedback from customers who specified environmental standards as part of their terms of contract. We’re taking steps to have as little impact on the environment as possible, while at the same time counting the cost savings for the business. For example, we have decided against air conditioning in our vehicles as it can increase fuel consumption by up to 8%.”
Security guarding specialist ADP was a runner-up for the second year running in the 2008 Security Excellence Awards organised by UBM’s Live Media Division, this time in the Best Customer Care Initiative category.