Environmental
Energy Conservation
Allianz is committed to minimising the use of all energy and in 2005 the company signed 'green' electricity contracts with energy supplier Scottish and Southern.
- The gas consumption of our heating systems is monitored by sensitive environmental controls that regulate the heating, humidity and air handling. Since these controls have been in place, a substantial drop in gas consumption has been achieved.
- Electricity consumption is also monitored in all our offices and compared with external benchmarks. We regularly have ‘switch-off’ campaigns to ensure staff don’t leave unnecessary lighting or electrical equipment on. As plant in buildings reaches the end of its economic life it is replaced with more fuel efficient alternatives.
- Fuel consumption of all our company cars is also monitored and those with above average consumption are given guidance on fuel-efficient driving.
- The company’s small fleet of vans (3) are gradually being replaced
with LPG models. - Allianz won the 2003 Motorvate Special Award at the annual BP Green Fleet Awards. The award was presented in recognition of efforts made in reducing the environmental impact of an already efficient fleet. (See attached article).
- Allianz has also made efforts to reduce the amount of water we use as a company. A trial of using ‘hippos’ in the toilet cisterns to reduce the amount of water used per flush only proved partially successful. The ‘hippos’ reduced the water consumption so much that there wasn’t enough water to flush the waste through the sewerage system properly. However, we are looking into to other water-saving schemes.
Recycling and Minimising Waste
Waste disposal is strictly controlled throughout the company and Allianz makes every effort to recycle wherever possible.
- Waste paper and obsolete forms from our printing works and warehouse and all ‘clean’ paper from our offices are recycled through a specialist company. Paper recycling bins are located by photocopiers throughout the company.
- Photocopier toner cartridges and computer printer cartridges are recycled and the proceeds made from this are passed on to local charities and community projects. Over the last ten years, £23,000 has been donated to good causes from the recycling of our photocopier and printer cartridges.
- Allianz ’s printing works and warehouse recycle all their printing plates. They also reuse wooden pallets and as much packaging as they can. In the past broken pallets have been donated to local schools to be made into bird boxes which were then sold to raise money for charity.
- We no longer use petroleum oil inks - all printing inks are vegetable oil based and we are in the process of reducing the amount of industrial alcohol used in the printing process.
- Following office refurbishments, surplus furniture and old photocopiers and computer printers are often donated to local schools and charities.
- The metal, glass and paper waste from our catering department is also recycled.
- We also recycle our plastic cups from our office drinking machines. These are taken away by a non-profit making company which turn the cups into various products which are sold to run the company.
Travel Policies
Allianz provides shower and locker facilities for those choosing to cycle to work but the number of staff willing to cycle is limited because of road congestion. In 2005 the company joined the Surrey Car Share Scheme launched by Surrey County Council.
We have worked with the Local Authority and travel companies over a number of years to try and devise a viable travel plan for Guildford . We are currently looking at developing a Travel Plan with Transport Energy.
Every weekend our car park facilities at Ladymead are used for the local Park and Ride service for shoppers in association with Guildford Borough Council. At Christmas, Allianz pays for the service giving shoppers free park and ride for the 3- 4 Saturdays leading up to Christmas (dependent on when Christmas falls).
Biodiversity and Environment
In 2007, we continued to build on our successful environmental programme increasing awareness of environmental and sustainability issues at home and abroad.
Since its inception the programme has developed into a popular area of activity involving staff, community and business partners.
World-wide
We award two annual grants for employees to participate on Earthwatch Institute scientific projects around the world. In 2006, the award winners chose projects in South Africa, one looking at Brown Hyena populations, the other studying game in one of the national parks. In 2007 we have an award winner studying Koala Ecology in Australia and another going to study climate change at the Artic Edge.
The Earthwatch Institute engages people world-wide in scientific field research and education to promote the understanding and action necessary for a sustainable environment. Part of the programme involves the grant winners sharing their experiences and new found knowledge and skills with colleagues and the wider-community to further this understanding.