The Directors of Palette are committed to minimising the environmental impact of the company’s activities via continuous improvement in environmental performance and will seek to develop an ethos of environmental responsibility in all its’ staff and promote the use of sustainable resources and discourage wasteful or damaging practices. Accordingly, it is the policy to:
Comply with all relevant environmental legislation and take such additional environmental protection measures as it considers necessary.
Promote awareness and understanding of environmental issues among all staff
Integrate environmental management policies and practices into every level and every department of the company
Manage and conserve energy and water efficiently within its premises. We have recently switched providers for both gas and electricity to carbon neutral green suppliers who supply electricity from renewable sources (solar, wind and hydro) whilst 10% of the gas comes from renewable sources such as food or farm waste and the remainder is offset by supporting carbon reduction projects around the world.
Reduce waste of natural resources, promote waste reduction and recycling and through tendering and purchasing procedures promote sustainable development, especially regarding the use of single use-plastics and non-recyclable/sustainable products. For instance we have removed all single use plastics, wherever possible, from our processes. Obviously in off-site catering cling film is unavoidable to comply with food hygiene rules, however virtually all other plastic has been removed and where use is unavoidable these are recycled after use. All plastic containers are washed and re-used and all disposable items such as straws, plates or cutlery have been replaced with biodegradable alternatives made from paper, birch, coconut or banana leaves.
Regulate all waste production and disposal and discourage litter, graffiti and noise pollution.
Reduce and where practicable prevent pollution by avoiding the unnecessary use of hazardous materials and processes and take all possible steps to prevent damage to either public or ecological health where such materials are in essential use.
Promote the use of less environmentally damaging transport options and encourage home-working for all staff where possible, to minimize the impact of commuter travel. To comply with stricter environmental emissions restrictions we are in the process of upgrading all Palette vehicles to Euro 6 level or better.
Consider the environmental impact of decommissioning and disposal of company assets.
Encourage `bottom-up' initiatives to improve environmental performance.
Source all products and services, including food, with environmental impact in mind, to minimise resources wasted and reduce food miles, including the promotion of seasonal food through our menus. We are also expanding our range of vegetarian and plant-based menus and we avoid the use of palm oil.
Ensure that this policy is communicated to all staff