Environmental Policy

Introduction

This policy demonstrates Cloud Gateway’s commitment to managing environmental  impacts, comply with regulations and improve sustainability. 

As an organisation that has implemented an Environmental Management System (EMS) in line with international standard ISO 14001, this policy outlines our dedication to making positive contributions and limiting negative ones, and serves as a foundation for all environment-related initiatives within the organisation.

We are committed to ensuring that we comply with all applicable environmental legislation and regulation including carbon reduction and net zero planning. 

Scope

This policy applies to all areas of our business operations, including facilities, products, and services, as well as the actions of employees and, where feasible, suppliers.

Responsibilities

Environmental management policy

Scope of registration

The scope of the registration for the ISO 14001 standard is:

The provision of networking and security services for the public and private sector within the United Kingdom and internationally.

Organisational commitment

Cloud Gateway will:

• Implement and maintain an Environmental Management System that is certified by a UKAS-accredited Certification Body as compliant with ISO 14001
• Identify the aspects of the business that have an environmental impact and assessing the significance of each aspect to reduce its impact
• Maintain an environmental performance improvement programme to enable achievement of our objectives
• Adopt a lifecycle perspective to operations
• Ensure that employees, suppliers, and customers are aware of their role in supporting Company commitments and environmental objectives
• Train employees in good environmental protection practices and encouraging their involvement in environmental improvement initiatives
• Continually monitor the environmental impact of business activities
• Consult independent third-party expert/s on environmental matters when required

Environmental management requirements

• Cloud Gateway will keep a central record of, and remain current with, all applicable legislative and regulatory requirements relevant to environmental protection

Environmental objectives

• Cloud Gateway will set and document measurable environmental objectives on an annual basis

• Environmental objectives will be regularly reviewed to track progress and will remain aligned with the Company’s strategic goals

Employee training and provision of resources

• Cloud Gateway will invest in training and awareness to ensure employees understand environmental issues and impacts, including those of their own work, and understand the requirements of the EMS
• Cloud Gateway will provide the resources required to meet these requirements
• This policy will be made available to all employees
• All employees must complete annual environmental awareness training
• Employees may take part in environmental conservation, sustainability, or clean-up activities through the Volunteering Policy and allowance

Pollution

• Cloud Gateway will prevent pollution arising from its business activities

• Work practices must not breach regulations on air, water, or noise pollution, however, given the nature of Cloud Gateway operations, there is minimal likelihood of ever contributing to such pollution

Energy and water consumption

Cloud Gateway will limit and reduce consumption of water, electricity, gas, and oil through the following controls:

• Motion sensors and timers on lighting, to prevent use outside business hours or in unoccupied spaces
• Low energy lightbulbs, such as LEDs
• Technical equipment set to standby mode after a period of inactivity
• Office heating switched off once the desired temperature is reached
• Filtered tap water provided in office (to discourage single-use bottled water)
• Employees encouraged to turn off electrical items when not in use
• Employees encouraged to report water leaks or drips

Cloud Gateway will seek out methods to upgrade systems and improve efficiency to further reduce resource use

Cloud Gateway will encourage employees to conserve energy and consider renewable energy sources at home, through training and awareness initiatives

Carbon reduction and offsetting

• Cloud Gateway will publish a Carbon Reduction Plan annually, to measure the carbon footprint of the business and demonstrate carbon reduction in action
• Emissions that cannot be reduced must be offset

Waste management

• Cloud Gateway will ensure that waste from its commercial activities is properly disposed of by office providers and WEEE-accredited vendors
• Cloud Gateway will implement waste reduction and segregation, separating recycling, food waste and other waste materials

Sustainable procurement

• Cloud Gateway will review all suppliers on carbon footprint reduction, sustainability, and environmental management
• Cloud Gateway will prioritise suppliers committed to these standards, particularly for activities such as data centre operation or hardware manufacturing
• Cloud Gateway will support suppliers in their own efforts to protect the environment, where possible
• Cloud Gateway will select energy efficient delivery options when placing orders or sending equipment, where possible

Travel

• Cloud Gateway will promote travel by public transport as the default method, in accordance with the Travel and Accommodation policy. Cycling and walking are encouraged before travel by car
• Cloud Gateway will offer a Cycle to Work scheme, enabling employees to purchase a bicycle and accessories for commuting

Continuous improvement

• Continuous improvement will be pursued across environmental performance. Improvement opportunities may be sourced from employees, customers, suppliers, risk management procedures and service reports
• Identified opportunities will be assessed before implementation, if agreed
• The EMS will be subject to continual assessment through regular review meetings and audits

Compliance

Employees shall abide by existing Company policies and procedures. Any employee found to have violated this policy may be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment or contract or agreement as the case may be.