Environmental Policy

Company Background & Policy Aims

Astronomia is engaged in the supply of optical products through our retail shop and at shows and events.  We recognise that our business activities result in emissions to air and the creation of waste, we use water and timber resources and we operate in areas of environmental sensitivity, such as nature reserves, Areas and Sites of Special Scientific Interest (ASSIs and SSSIs), Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) and conservation areas.  This policy aims to ensure that, as a minimum, we meet all statutory environmental requirements and sets out how we intend to reduce our environmental impact as the business develops.

Responsibility

This policy applies to all of our operations including retail, management, online services, transportation and procurement.  Neil Phillipson is responsible for ensuring that the policy is implemented; however all employees have a responsibility in their area to ensure that the aims and objectives of the policy are met.  Management have a responsibility to ensure that resources are available to achieve our objectives.

Objectives

Going forward, we aim to:

• Reduce our energy use and decrease emissions created by the generation of electrical power used in our stores.
• Reduce emissions from vehicles used in transportation and the supply chain.
• Reduce packaging waste to a minimum and increase recycling of any waste created.
• Reduce internal use of paper for office processes.
• Ensure all timber, card, paper and other timber-based resources are sourced responsibly.
• Inform our customers and suppliers of our environmental policy.

Targets for the years 2011 - 2012 (to be met by 31 December 2012)

• To purchase only Low-Emission Vehicles (to be defined as vehicles emitting not more than 99g/km of CO2) in future, and to restrict the use of personal vehicles and vans with higher emissions to less than 20% of our annual mileage.
• To light our premises with a maximum of 300W of lighting, whilst ensuring adequate brightness through replacement of current fittings with high-efficiency LED lighting.
• To re-use 90% of boxes received with goods, and recycle all that cannot be re-used.
• Implement a new order-management system that removes the need to print orders.
• Source all future timber, card and paper from FSC-certified sustainable sources.
• Encourage all suppliers to adopt environmentally responsible packing materials and reduce the use of expanded polystyrene and other non-recyclable components.
• Upload this policy to the Astronomia website and communicate it to suppliers.

Monitoring and Auditing:

Progress against these objectives will be monitored by management and reported to head office during monthly management meetings.