Lifespace Flooring are delighted that we have received a Green Mark Level 1 accreditation for the second year running for our sustainability efforts! Green Mark provides an internationally recognised environmental certification for companies that want to assure their clients and employees that they are conducting business to recognised environmental standards.
If you want a quick read, you can view all on sustainability via our page here.
Through the online portal, we submitted information about the business, answered questions and provided supporting evidence on sustainability, the answers were then reviewed by an auditor and we were awarded a Green Mark Level 1! Through the process Green Mark helped us create a framework to make sure we have the correct tools to monitor and reduce our emissions going forward, as well as communicating internally and externally how we are doing this.
After becoming certified Green Mark sent us a sustainability certificate, window stickers and some digital materials to share the news of our accreditation which we now proudly share and display throughout our business and to our clients.
Lifespace want to keep our customers up to date and give clear transprency on our sustainability journey, therefore, we want to provide you with the key principles and objectives of our location and organisation:
Commit to reducing carbon emissions associated with operations and logistics, working towards measurable targets year-on-year.
Lifespace has partnered with a local courier company to reduce carbon emissions. Lifespace will monitor emissions and report on them quarterly internally, and externally where required.
Lifespace’s courier service has obtained a ISO 14001 certification.
Lifespace will coordinate with the manufacturer to consolidate shipments and minimise unnecessary transport, this will also include ordering in bulk where applicable.
Lifespace carpet tiles are made in a carbon neutral facility thus committing to reducing emissions entirely.
Implement waste minimisation practices across the site, including recycling schemes, reuse of packaging materials, and avoiding single-use plastics.
Lifespace doesn’t use additional material when shipping to reduce our environmental impact. Lifespace has a tip onsite to ensure materials are recycled and there is no wastage. Our objectives are to continue with our operations as above, and educate staff as the organisation grows.
Encourage return and reuse schemes for old or unused carpet tiles where applicable to support a circular product lifecycle.
Lifespaces objective is to research third party recycling initiatives to achieve this. Lifespace will then communicate this to external stakeholders and clients.
Lifespace have a carpet tile take back scheme.
Lifespace aims to prioritise partnerships committed to sustainable production practices, including the use of low-VOC adhesives and recycled materials in carpet tiles.
Lifespace works in an ISO 9001 accredited carbon neutral facility.
Lifespace comply to REACH standards.
Lifespace has a carpet tile take back scheme.
Lifespace will continue to prioritise this within their business strategy.
Lifespace ensures transparency in the supply chain regarding material sourcing, ethical practices, and environmental certifications. We achieve this through regular review meetings with our manufacturers and suppliers. At the point of onboarding a new supplier, Lifespace requests sustainability achievements and will use this as part of the framework for awarding.
Reduce overall resource consumption through sustainable procurement and digital-first approaches to paperwork and communications.
Lifespace actively encourages digital first. All company documentation is shared via a company drive online, this ensures staff can access documents without needing to print.
Foster a workplace culture that values environmental responsibility, providing regular training and awareness sessions on sustainability.
With a small headcount Lifespace’s objective as the company grows is to provide training on sustainability once new appointed staff are inducted, and refresh their knowledge annually.
Senior Leadership will follow sustainability and environmental trends and legislations to ensure the organisation’s objectives and aims are suitable and being met.
Ensure full compliance with all relevant environmental laws, regulations, and standards.
Lifespace’s objective is to attend environmental seminars to better their knowledge of environmental laws and regulations. SLT will follow AcOPs via the HSE on environmental guidance. In addition, the SLT subscribe to environmental newsletters, and industry updates on this topic to ensure we are meeting expectations.
Regularly review and update environmental policies and procedures, seeking continuous improvement through audits.
Our objective is that as Lifespace develops we will adopt an environmental committee to share initiatives and improve our strategy.
Our environmental policies will be reviewed quarterly and updated where required. In line with best practice (due to our small headcount this is not mandatory), Lifespace will ensure the policy is updated at minimum annually.
Support community education on sustainable flooring options and the environmental benefits of responsible refurbishment and reuse.
Lifespace understands education doesn’t stop in the workplace, therefore, we aim to educate our community on the benefits of sustainable flooring options we supply and continue to improve.
For any other organisations considering environmental accreditation, these are some reasons why we would recommend it:
- Sustainable practices such as saving energy, reducing water use, using less materials and creating less waste can save more money than you think.
- Environmental credentials attract clients and increases the likelihood of others wanting to work with you!
- It is possible to run a profitable business without compromising on social and environmental responsibilities.
- Business can be a force for good in the world when maximising profit is not the only goal.
To find out more about Green Mark head to greenmark.co.uk!
