Introduction

Travel Bureau policy is to comply with all the relevant environmental legislation. We strive for continuous improvement within our business to minimise the effects the running of our business has upon the environment. All Travel Bureau staff is required to adhere to this policy.   Aims/Objectives   Our day to day policies include:

• saving power – ensuring all office equipment is powered down and light switches set to off when not required, where feasible electrical equipment is not left in ‘Standby’ mode
• energy saving boiler for heating water
• energy efficient hand dryers rather than linen/paper towels
• reducing waste through re-use and recycling in line with UK legislation for WEEE
• using recycled paper where practical and cartridges and toners which can be recycled
• recycling of plastic bottles and cans
• receiving and responding to customer enquiries via e-mail
•  receiving and storing customer purchase order in electronic format thus reducing paper usage and costs
• implementation of a ‘file free’ policy in Corporate, Groups and Accounts, increasing efficiency and productivity and significantly reducing paper usage
• where use of paper is unavoidable, we aim to recycle and reuse
• recycling all out-of-date brochures
• proactively working from file copy brochures only rather than ordering bulk supplies of tour operator brochures
• where possible - using online brochures to send information to customers buying holidays from our retail shop thereby reducing the number of brochures required
• printing only when necessary, on a duplex  printer in our Corporate department which is the heaviest user of printers in the business
• sending documents, invoices, statements, tickets and general information electronically (where appropriate) cutting down on need for non essential packaging
• educating, training and motivating staff to work in an environmentally responsible manner and to play a full part in developing new ideas and initiatives
• communicating openly with staff regarding environmental policies and best practice and co-operating with our customers to develop and promote environmentally sound practices
• promoting responsible travel – with carbon emission comparisons and reporting, we enable our customers to make an informed decision on the mode of transport and the direct impact their own travel has upon the environment
• adopting a green travel policy internally which promotes the use of more sustainable modes of transport by Travel Bureau employees travelling on company business
• encouraging eco friendly working practices and encouraging others to have awareness and regard for environmental issues
• ensuring our supplier portfolio includes holiday companies who develop eco friendly holiday products
• Company vehicles to purchase fuel via ‘Go Green’ fuel card

The Travel Bureau as a Service Provider   In carrying out our activities and obligations as a service provider of travel arrangements to our customers, we recognise that modes of transport in most forms have a direct impact on the environment. In fact ‘getting there’ is not, in itself, the whole picture as additional services such as car rental and hotel accommodation all impact on local environmental issues.   Due to direct and indirect pressure from travellers, the majority of our suppliers recognise that to retain customer loyalty and play their part in reducing ‘pollution’ they must implement environmental friendly policies. Suppliers all comply in different ways but with a common goal of reducing their impact on the environment.   Airlines   Two key issues identified for the airline industry are:  

•                      The local environmental impact of aircraft noise and emissions around airports
•                      The global climate change effect of carbon dioxide and other aircraft emissions

 They strive to reduce their impact on by concentrating on four key elements:

•                      Reductions at source – quieter more efficient aircraft
•                      Operational procedures
•                      Operational restrictions
•                      Land use planning

Hotels

•                      Power saving switches that are only activated when guests are in rooms
•                      Re using laundry items where practical eg. guest towels
•                      Using water efficiently by installing water saving features
•                      Subject to local conditions, using renewable energy sources 

Car Rental

•                      Modern fleets with resultant low sulphur emissions and better fuel consumption
•                      Range of smaller engine models
•                      Unleaded fuel models
•                      Complying with local country strict environmental legislation

Train Operating Companies

•       Modern fleets with bio-diesel fuels

When making rail reservations via our online rail booking system, business travellers can calculate and compare the carbon cost of alternative modes of transport.    CO2 Reporting Capabilities   We offer our customers CO2 Reporting for air and rail travel, providing a total for the journey undertaken and offering a comparison with alternative modes of transport. Post trip reporting enables travel managers to track carbon dioxide emissions and ultimately neutralize their impact through carbon offsetting.   Via a website link (www.travelbureaugosforth.com) our customers can calculate the carbon emissions their journey contributes to the atmosphere when taking a  flight travel, this is coupled with  suggestions as to how they can offset these omissions and become ‘carbon neutral’.   Commercial Waste Recycling   In May 2010, we contracted Shred-it a confidential document destruction and recycling specialist to ensure efficient and effective waste recycling for waste paper documentation.  The process works in the following way:

1. 4 secure consoles have been conveniently placed throughout the building in each department, the consoles  hold specially designed secure ‘blue bags’
2. Confidential documents, all unwanted papers, brochures, clipboards etc are placed into the locked console. Paper clips and staples do not need to be removed saving time
3. Every 4 weeks, a Shred-it customer service representatives remove the secure blue bags from the locked console
4. Offsite and within a locked security screen, Shred-it empties the contents of the blue bag into a special hopper
5. Highly efficient knives securely shred all confidential documents into unidentifiably small pieces on-site
6. Shred-it issue a Certificate of Destruction
7. Shredded documents are securely baled for recycling
8. Shredded documents are turned into a variety of paper products

 The service is highly cost effective delivering two key benefits:

• Confidential documents remain confidential
• Positive impact on the environment

Relevant certificates will be retained on file.   All members of the Corporate Team are responsible for ensuring all unwanted paper documents are placed into one of the on-site consoles as laid down in our quality management procedures.   Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE)   The WEEE Directive aims to reduce the amount of electrical and electronic equipment waste produced going to landfill and improve recovery and recycling rates. As a business user, Travel Bureau must comply with the regulations that are in force as we have a legal ‘duty of care’ to ensure that these are adhered to.    We will always consider the environmental consequences associated with the replacement of electrical equipment ie is it a necessity, can it be upgraded, can it be used elsewhere within the business instead of discarding?   With regards to our computers, we have 24/7 IT support technicians (Aegis IT) that can remote access to ascertain where any problems lie, any damaged or outdated hardware will be collected by them and taken to their premises.  Where possible – and in accordance with Data Protection – these are wiped and the PC will form part of a rebuild.   Any equipment that cannot be reused will be taken to a local collection facility.   Responsibility   The responsibility for the implementation, monitoring and development of these guidelines lies with the Board of Directors.   Review   We will review and revise our environmental objectives on a continuing basis whilst assessing the potential implementation of an externally audited Environmental Management System.   This review is ongoing monthly rather than quarterly or annually. As new and updated guidelines are published alongside fresh research it is necessary for us to embed this continual review process into weekly and monthly meetings. This ensures we retain a sound and clear understanding of the issues, it also enables us to act quickly to change our policies.   Changes to legislation are complied with.   Updated May 2010