| 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 electricity consumption by installing a voltage optimisation unit, low energy light fittings, timers, photocells and reviewed the way the Centre manages some of its operations. |
| Water - reduced treated water consumption by installing waterless washroom facilities and harvesting rainwater to flush the public toilets. Consumption in 2011 was the lowest since the Centre opened in 1992. |
| 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 2011 the Centre recycled 68% of its waste, ensuring that 149 tons of waste did not go to landfill. |
| 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. |
| 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 recent investment 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, ensures that existing plant and equipment works more efficiently and lengthens their working life expectancy in addition to delivering savings for the occupiers of the Centre. Pictured with the unit 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 of the utmost importance the health and safety of those both visiting and working at the Sovereign Shopping Centre. 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. | ||
To further promote good practices the Centre has an '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 2010 Health and Safety Award Scheme are: Winner - Large Shop Unit Category - Currys Digital |
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Pictured with Nick Cooke, Sovereign Shopping Centre Manager (left) are Laura Osbourne of Parsons Bakery (centre) and Chris Reeves from Currys Digital (right) receiving their awards. In addition to their framed certificates shop staff shared prizes totalling £375 worth of shopping vouchers. |
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