BARNEYS ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY

So what are we doing to minimalise our environmental and ethical impact? Quite a bit actually, read on…

In a nutshell; we aim to reduce our impact on the environment by applying uncomplicated and sensible recycling policies and encouraging/educating staff to act in an environmentally responsible way by recycling, reducing waste, sourcing ethically and minimising our energy use.

Energy use – This is always under review and we’re looking at ways to reduce it. Suffice to say, everything except the alarm is switched off at night, when we buy new technology it's always energy-efficient, all bulbs are low energy and the creative department don’t turn their stereo up too loud anymore (apart from Heavy Metal Fridays).

Stationery - All stationery such as envelopes, paper etc. is sourced from recycled stock where possible. We also encourage everybody to use unwanted paper as scrap before recycling.

Recycling - All paper, cardboard, plastic, cans and office products are recycled.

Computers - All PCs and Macs are first reused internally, with high end designer's machines being passed onto to lower end administrative roles as they age. Reusable computers are also sent to third world countries.

Printing – The printing industry is responsible for around 10% of volatile organic compound emissions, and as a communications company we handle a great deal of print for our clients. Therefore encourage our clients to print on recycled paper and use non GMO soy and vegetable based inks as well as waterless printing methods to reduce VOCs.

Location – Basing ourselves centrally in an area with good public transport links makes it easier for our people to get to work without using a car. If you know Bristol, you’ll know that a car is generally NOT a good idea anyway.

Here’s what we all do on a daily basis to reduce our environmental and ethical impact.

Laser printing on both sides of the paper we use where possible
proofing by PDF
replacing lighting with energy efficient alternatives and turning the damn things off when the offices are empty
switching to recycled paper for our stationery and other office paper uses
ensuring we turn our machines, monitors, printers and anything else that uses energy off rather than leaving them on standby overnight
primarily we market ourselves to the South West of England to keep it local and reduce travel
open windows rather than using the air con
where possible use telephone conferences for meetings to reduce travel
buying locally wherever possible and sourcing fairtrade and ethically sound food and drink
purchasing energy-efficient hardware and equipment
proofing, invoicing and placing orders electronically as much as possible
recycling the waste that we produce where possible.