Environmental Performance Report

Period: January 1st, 2023, to December 31st, 2023

1. Introduction

This document has been commissioned by Mr Carl Smith, MD of Beechwood Equipment Limited. The basis chosen for monitoring performance is the UK government recommended KPIs. The subset of the KPIs used have been derived from the full complement of 22 KPIs, resulting in the one’s which directly relate to Beechwood Equipment Limited’s building, business operations and staff. Following the initial assessment of performance baseline, targets and strategies agreed by the Management are detailed/updated in the Carbon Reduction Plan (CRP) and annual audits of performance conducted to monitor improvements of environmental performance.

1.1 Benefits of Monitoring Environmental Impact

Monitoring our environmental impact enables us to assess progress against set targets, ensure compliance with regulations, and demonstrate our commitment to sustainability. This report serves as a transparent communication tool for stakeholders and showcases our dedication to minimising our environmental footprint. A consequential benefit of measuring environmental impact and realising continual improvement against our environmental targets is the expectation of cost savings resulting in better value for money for the business which can be passed on to customers.

1.2 Purpose of the Document

This Environmental Performance Report outlines the environmental sustainability initiatives and achievements of Beechwood Equipment Limited for the above period.

1.3 Scope

The report focuses on the environmental performance of our single office premises during the specified period.

2.0 Measurement of Performance

The following categories have been considered as part of this report.

2.1 Emissions to Air

I. Greenhouse Gases
i. Carbon dioxide (CO2)
A study has been made of the impact Beechwood Equipment Limited business has regarding the equivalent CO2 impact. A Carbon Reduction Plan (CRP) has been produced and published. All identified sources of CO2e have been included in a new baseline measurement of the impact during 2023 calendar year.

ii. Methane (CH4)
No sources of generation have been identified in any business process. Waste material has and continues to be minimised, and the remainder responsibly dealt with by licensed carriers and operators.

iii. Nitrous oxide (N2O)
No sources of generation have been identified in any business process.

iv. Ozone (O3)
No sources of generation have been identified in any business process. No Ozone reducing chemicals are used on-site or as part of any business process.

v. Chloroflurocarbons (CFCs) and Hydroflurocarbons (HFCs)
No sources of generation or leakage have been identified in any business process or use within the building. The building relies on natural ventilation so no air conditioning is installed. A small fridge is used within the building by staff and no leakages have been detected. The fridge is a modern appliance and not expected to contain any CFCs or HFCs.

vi. Other fluorinated compounds (e.g. SF6 and NF3)
No sources of generation have been identified in any business process.

II. Acid Rain, Eutrophication and Smog Precursors
BEL does not manufacture products. There are no manufacturing processes. Business transportation has been accounted for in the Carbon Reduction plan. No chemicals are used on site in any business process so no discharge of chemicals is possible to contaminate the water system.
Some cleaning products are used for general office cleaning. The use of cleaning products is minimal and cleaning materials are re-used whenever possible.

III. Dust and Particles
The office area and warehouse areas are maintained in a clean state. No aerosols are used on-site. No cooking appliances are available, and no other sources of particle generation have been identified. A survey has not been done so far to measure the state, but there is no expectation that the condition will be different from a normal household environment.

IV. Ozone Depleting Substances
No such substances have been identified on site.

V. Volatile Organic CompoundsNo such substances have been identified on site. Some VOCs are present in vehicle exhaust fumes. Business transportation is a feature of the Carbon Reduction Plan and will be dealt with in that context. A survey has not been done so far, to measure the state.

VI. Metal emissions to air
No processes have been identified on site to contribute to this category.

VII. Air Quality:
The building relies on natural ventilation. No business process adversely contributes to polluting the atmosphere.

2.2 Emissions to Water

I. Nutrients and Organic Pollutants
None are used on site.

II. Metal emissions to water
No on-site process produces any metal pollutants.

2.3 Emissions to Land

I. Pesticides and Fertilisers
None are used on site.

II. Metal emissions to land
No on-site process produces any metal pollutants.

III. Acids and Organic Pollutants
None are used on site.

IV. Waste (Landfill, Incinerated and Recycled)
All waste is segregated before disposal. The office has a battery collection point which is dealt with periodically (as battery use is minimal).

V. Radioactive Waste
None are used on site.

2.4 Resource Use

I. Water Use and Abstraction
The office premises is connected to the national supply. No water is abstracted from other natural sources. Use of water is predominantly by staff for washing and drinking. No business process requires the use of water.

II. Natural Gas
No natural gas is used on site.

III. Oil
No oil is used on site.

IV. Metals
Metals are not processed on site.

V. Coal
No coal is used on site.

VI. Minerals
No minerals are used on site.

VII. Aggregates
No aggregates are used on site.

VIII. Forestry
The business does not rely on any by-product of the forestry industry, and does not contribute to the reduction of natural areas. The business sponsors projects through Ecologi which supports the increase in natural vegetation and tree planting.

IX. Agriculture
The business does not rely on any by-product of the agricultural industry

3.0 Conclusion

Beechwood Equipment Limited, being a retail company, provides products and services to specialised customers and to a much smaller extent to the general public. The company operates solely in the UK, but derives some of the products from overseas manufacturers and retailers. No manufacturing is done on site.

The company has surveyed the normal business activities and impact on the environment and has produced a Carbon Reduction Plan which it publishes on its website. The company has committed to being Net-zero in respect of the effective CO2 (CO2e) by 2050 in line with PPN 06/21 and government objectives for the UK overall.

Beyond this, impact on the environment following a survey of the business processes does not yield any major red flags, although the company management is cognisant that saving and improvements can always be made. The outcome of the baseline assessment of CO2e is provided below.

The two main areas of impact are international business flights and staff commuting journeys respectively. The CRP therefore reflects this in its commitment to reduce its impact and strategies to improve.

The business may benefit from an initial Air Quality Survey, primarily to prove whether or not a problem exists, however the building is well within the recommendations for maximum occupancy and no problems are anticipated from such a survey.

This report reflects Beechwood Equipment Limited’s commitment to environmental sustainability, guided by the UK government’s recommended KPIs and our tailored Carbon Reduction Plan.
Produced by:

28th January 2024