The Centre takes its responsibilities to society in general very seriously and also considers how its actions may impact upon those both visiting and working in the Centre.
Environmental Information
The Centre considers the impact its operations may have on the wider environment. Good environmental practices are promoted through its Environmental Committee, which is made up of members of the Centre management team, Centre employees and occupier's representatives.
The Centre has introduced a number of environmental initiatives some of which are listed below:
- Energy - reduced consumption by installing a range of low energy light fittings, timers and photocells and reviewed the way the Centre manages some of its operations. The Centre purchases 'green' energy.
- Recycling - reduced the amount of refuse sent to landfill sites by recycling a large proportion of its waste including cardboard, polythene, paper, glass, wood and metals. For the twelve month period ending December 2007 the Centre recycled 51% of
its waste (figures relaterecycled materials/landfill tonnage).
In October 2007 the Centre completed the installation of its paperless car parking system that will replace the 650,000 paper parking tickets used each year.
- Travel to Work - through the promotion of it's 'Travel Plan' reduced the number of car journeys through the promotion of car sharing and cycling to work for Centre employees.
- Water - reduced water consumption by installing waterless washroom facilities. The Centre is presently investigating the possibility of harvesting rainwater to further reduce it's water consumption.
- Hazardous Chemicals - reviewed the range of cleaning chemicals used and introduced more environmentally friendly products to minimize the impact on the environment.
The Centre's efforts have resulted in the follow recognition:
Environmental Business Award 2001 - The Greener Office Project - Commendation
Avon Area Employers - Travel Plan Award Scheme 2003 - Gold Award
Health and Safety Information
The Centre also considers the health and safety of those both visiting and working at the Sovereign Shopping Centre of the utmost importance. Good health and safety practices are promoted through the Centre's Health & Safety Committee, which is made up of members of the Centre management team, Centre employees and occupier's representatives.
The Centre's efforts have resulted in the follow recognition:
'European Week for Safety & Health' - Regional Winner 2003
To further promote good practices the Centre has a 'Occupiers Award Scheme' in which shop units are inspected regularly so as to ensure compliance with health and safety legislation and good practice.
Winners of the 2007 Health and Safety Award Scheme are:
Large Shop Unit Category - Anne Harvey
Small Shop Unit Category Winner - The Body Shop