Cobbetts
Cobbetts discovered that, despite being a tenant in a multi-office building, there is always something you can do to take action on the environment.
Being tenants in buildings in four cities, where mostly we were one of several occupants, posed difficulties when attempting to introduce recycling policies. In some cases the landlord already had some measures in place and was receptive to suggestions. In other cases no facilities existed, nor was it seen by the landlord that there was a requirement for such facilities.
It was clear that our staff wanted to help. CSR policies were generally well received but, as with so much else, the problem was where to start and how to find an outlet for their enthusiasm and their wish to do their bit for the environment.
Because of the set up of our different offices, it was apparent that we would not achieve a firm-wide solution overnight and had to concentrate on what could be done, rather than dwell on what was not going to be possible in the short term.
It was decided that our initial focus should be on recycling glass, plastic, paper and cardboard. We canvassed our fellow tenants and in all cases received a positive response. We then approached the Managing Agents to have the matter put on the agenda for the next tenants’ meetings in each location.
The response from the Managing Agents differed. They were all supportive of our aims, but did not always feel that they had the ability to do all that we asked straight away. Rather than wait for a complete solution we (and our fellow tenants) accepted what was on offer, with a view to expanding the recycling effort, where appropriate, as soon as possible.
What we have learned from this small beginning is:
• Staff are delighted that we are doing something.
• Tenants and landlords want to do the right thing.
• It takes time to put the different measures in place.
• The costs are negligible as collection frequency can be arranged to suit our needs.
• We can all do something to help the environment – even our smallest office can find space for recycling bins.
We now have a situation where:
• One office pays a premium to have its waste sorted for recycling by a third party.
• Two offices separate their own waste – tins, glass, paper, cardboard and plastics - for recycling by the refuse collection firm and specialist firms where necessary.
• One office has its paper recycled and is in the process of getting recycling bins for glass and cardboard.