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 and good environmental practices are promoted through its Environmental Committee. The committee 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, photocells and a voltage optimisation unit and reviewed the way the Centre manages some of its operations.
- 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 2009 the Centre recycled 52% of
its waste (figures relaterecycled materials/landfill tonnage).
- Reduction - in October 2007 the Centre installed a paperless car parking system that replaced the 550,000 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. This year the Centre plans to complete it's rainwater harvesting project 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
Reducing our Impact on Climate Change
The Centre's investment, in January 2009, in a 'voltage optimisation' unit is delivering significant savings in electricity. Since its installation electricity consumption has been reduced by 12% which equate to a projected annual reduction in carbon dioxide emissions of 29,000kg. The box of tricks, which works by regulating the supply of electricity, will ensure that existing plant and equipment works more efficiently and lengthen their working life expectancy in addition to delivering savings for the occupiers of the Centre. Pictured are technicians Alan Smith and Mike Davies who installed the equipment along with Operations Manager - Peter Smith. |
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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 2009 Health and Safety Award Scheme are:
Winner - Large Shop Unit Category - Bonmarche
Winner - Small Shop Unit Category - F Hinds