THE GREEN WATCH
➔ Carbon cutting still on the corporate agenda
Tim Boag, managing director
OVER half of UK businesses have set carbon-cutting policies for 2011 according to new research from RBS. Fifty-one per cent of companies surveyed said they set targets to cut carbon emissions next year, up significantly from 2008 when only a third made such plans.
It comes as no surprise that large businesses are most likely to be setting carbon targets, with nearly three- quarters of companies with a turnover in excess of £25million drawing up more environmentally friendly practices. Over 600 companies were consulted for the survey.
of Structured Finance, RBS Corporate and Institutional Banking, says, “The rise in the number of companies setting targets for cutting carbon emissions can be explained by three key factors: the perennial need to make cost savings, the growing market for low carbon goods and services, and the introduction of new legislation. Sally Percy, editor of Accountancy magazine, which commissioned the RBS report, says, “It’s pleasing to note that UK corporates, both in the private and public sector, are taking their environmental responsibilities seriously. They clearly understand what is expected of them in terms of reducing emissions, although some still have quite a way to go on that front.”
PARK PLAZA'S GOLD IN GREEN
THE Park Plaza County Hall has been awarded the Green Tourism Business Scheme's gold level accreditation, becoming only the 12th hotel in the capital to earn the status. The four-star property was praised for its strong green credentials and commended for: staff dedication to green issues, supporting local green initiatives, a new environmentally friendly towel and linen policy, and energy and water saving measures that include high- quality insulation and glazing, low energy lighting, and sensor taps. Other hotels to have achieved gold level status in London include the Jurys Inn Chelsea, Base2Stay Kensington, The May Fair Hotel, The Cavendish and the Radisson Blu Portman.
LEEDS VENUES PLAY GREEN CARD
Five minutes with... Tom Walley
PROFILE
General Manager CORPORATE TRAVELLER
Tom Walley was appointed general manager of Corporate Traveller UK in January this year when parent company Flight Centre Group launched the SME specialist travel management company. He was previously head of Flight Centre UK’s retail division for two years and prior to that area leader for three years.
What is your most memorable business travel trip and why? Our parent company, Flight Centre Group, holds a global ball overseas every year bringing together the top 2,500 consultants worldwide to recognise their achievements. It’s always an amazing trip and you get an incredible buzz from it. This year's ball was held in July in Las Vegas.
What is your worst business travel experience and why? It was a flight to Malaysia when I had to sit in the last row in the economy cabin, right next to the toilets. The crew also asked me to hold a stack of bread baskets on my lap for take off, then forgot to collect them from me until we were almost two hours into the flight. I had no inflight meal, couldn’t recline my seat and had to listen to the toilets being flushed during the whole flight!
What is your favourite destination worldwide and why? South Africa, especially Cape Town. You don’t suffer from jetlag, the seasons are the opposite to the UK, and the wine and food are good and also inexpensive. My children loved it as well.
WELL MET Conferencing at Leeds Metropolitan University has launched a new sustainability policy that takes into account its selection of suppliers – based on 'food miles' and their recycling policies – and the provision of more on-site accommodation options and videoconferencing facilities. They're not the first steps the organisation has taken in the green arena, with its Rose Bowl venue, pictured above, opening in 2009 and quickly earning BREEAM excellence status, followed by other recent venue additions to its portfolio, the
Carnegie Pavilion, Carnegie Village and Broadcasting Place. Well Met's new policy also places emphasis on reducing waste, increasing recycling, water efficiency and cutting carbon emissions. Kate Pitcher, business development manager for Well Met Conferencing, says, “By being innovative in our approach we are now able to promote our sustainable credentials when attracting conferences and events to the university. This is something that many of our clients consider to be an important factor when choosing a venue.“
What three items do you never leave home without when on business? My BlackBerry, my passport (I once forgot to take it to Ireland!) and eye- drops so that I can at least appear awake.
What single thing could be done to improve your business travelling life? I wish that airports would be consistent about what you need to put through the x-ray scanners as you pass through security. Sometimes you have to take your shoes off or they stop you taking any liquids, for example, while other airports aren’t so strict.
What destinations would you like to visit next and why? I was born in Argentina but left there when I was only six months old, so I would really like to go back and travel around South America.
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