Southco recognised for environmental achievements

The bronze-winning entry from Southco was for Environmental Best Practice and Sustainability within the automotive sector. Much of the credit for this accolade, which closely follows the company's recent achievement of ISO:14001 accreditation, goes to the total commitment of the Worcester team, which gave its full support to a company-wide environmental awareness day including taking part in workshops based around a 'green-themed' day. The event was co-ordinated by Quality Systems Engineer Sadie Lewis as part of the company's focus to reduce waste at its Worcester site.

Lewis comments: "Everybody in the team is over the moon! It is not really down to one or two people, everybody in the company has helped us achieve this Award and the ISO:14001 Accreditation. In 2010, waste segregation in offices and manufacturing has lead to a 25 per cent reduction in waste to landfill, with the Worcester plant recycling more than 15 tonnes of cardboard. All waste bins in the offices have been removed (more than 50) and replaced with recycling facilities. Awareness sessions for staff members have proved extremely popular and successes have been measured and monitored via a scorecard.

"To date we have made massive improvements and the fact that we secured the Green Apple Award is testament to the dedication of the Worcester team. However, it is a continual process and in 2011 we will focus on reduction in energy consumption - including an investigation into energy-efficient lighting - as well as continuing to operate an awareness-raising programme."