Sustainability and re-cycling in Woburn House

Improvements in sustainability and energy efficiency that have been made:

• Following a survey undertaken by the Carbon Trust in September 2008 adjustments to the Building Management Systems were made which included a drop in core temperature of the premises by 1 degree and a reduction in the boiler and comfort cooling operating hours.
•  Overnight electricity usage has been reduced from its highest point in September 08 by 21%, reducing costs and CO2 emissions.  This was achieved by encouraging staff to turn off equipment, putting some machines on timers and ensuring that all lights were turned off at night, plus the alterations noted above.
•  The installation of energy efficient and environmentally responsible hand driers to replace paper towels and roller towels in toilets was completed by April 2009.  CO2 emissions are calculated as reducing by as much as 80% by changing to these hand driers.
• Movement detectors were placed in Meeting rooms 1, 2 and 3 and all toilets from basement to 4^th floor so that, following a lack of any movement for 5 minutes the lights are automatically switched off.  This facility will be installed in any new light fittings that are purchased as per the planned replacement programme. 
• Update August 2009 -part of the 2^nd floor office space has been fitted with energy efficient new lighting and movement detectors.

Waste Disposal

      
From October 2010 all non-re-cyclable waste has been sent to a heat exchange incinerator so Woburn House is now a ZERO to LANDFILL BUILDING.

Re-Cycling

Woburn House Conference Centre Ltd and its parent company Universities UK, have the following arrangements in place:

·        Paper:

o       all waste paper is sent for re-cycling

o       all paper bought in is made from re-cycled sources

o       paper is delivered in packaging which is comprised of at least 50% re-cycled material

o       externally printed publications use paper  that is sourced from well managed forests, manufactured using the FSC Chain of Custody and by a company employing the ISO 14001 environmental standard.  

·        Cardboard: a compactor has been bought that enables this type of waste to be stored in its compacted state and then sent for re-cycling.

·        Toner cartridges: black used cartridges are all sent for re-cycling.

·        Electrical goods: out of date equipment is offered for re-use to staff, then to a local contractor for resale where possible.  For permanent disposal when necessary a registered company is used that guarantees that such goods are disposed in compliance with the WEEE directive.

·        Fluorescent tubes: disposal is through a certified contractor who ensures that as much material as possible is re-cycled and the small remainder is disposed of safely.

·        Furniture: disposed of to local organisations where possible and then to local dealers for re-use. 

·        Staff kitchen waste: food packaging, glass and plastic bottles are taken to the local re-cycling collection point.

Commercial Kitchen       
 

The catering service in Woburn House is supplied by the Bartlett Mitchell. Their environmental policy statement is provided.

• Glass bottles for water and washed and re-used.
• Reducing food waste is a priority for the chef.
• Where possible Fair Trade products are sourced.  

Corporate Social Responsibility
 

Woburn House Conference Centre Ltd, and its parent company Universities UK, demonstrate their involvement in the local area and its environment by the following:

• Supporting the activities of the Friends of Tavistock Square by providing meeting space, print services and refreshments, as well as staff time to assist in their work to improve the area.
• Attending the Bloomsbury Breakfast events in order to build links with the local organisations and understand their issues, giving support and assistance where possible
•  Working with the   Safer Neighbourhood team to ensure that the local area is a safe place to work and visit.