It has over recent years become increasingly evident that the continuing pollution of the environment could endanger the quality of life of future generations.

Governments and other organisations in many countries are now more aware of the impact of past ignorance regarding environmental matters and increasingly have become more environmentally active.

In recognition of this, Grafton Merchanting GB (GMGB) has developed this Environmental Strategy which indicates the policy and proposals regarding conservation for the future, throughout its operations.

ISO 14001

All Grafton merchanting GB brands are ISO 14001 certificated. Every trading branch has a Branch Environmental Champion who is responsible for monitoring, and managing policies and procedures contained in the branch Environmental Manual. All information on the ISO 14001 system is on the company intranet site and available at every branch.

ENVIRONMENTAL STRATEGY STATEMENT

GMGB are committed to the prevention and reduction of pollution and to continual improvement of its environmental management system.

• We are committed to complying with all applicable legislation and other requirements related to environmental aspects.
• We will review all policies, programmes and services and undertake wherever necessary to improve environmental standards to the benefit of the community as a whole.
• We will continue to promote the conservation and sustainable use of natural resources, to minimise environmental pollution in all of our own activities and through our influence, over others, whenever possible.
• We will always work toward maximising our procedures with regard to reducing, reusing and recycling waste.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The Director responsible for Health, Safety and Environmental issues will:

• Ensure so far as is reasonably practicable, the necessary training is carried out to ensure compliance within Grafton Merchanting operations.
• Ensure that subcontractors working for Grafton Merchanting are made aware of the Environmental Policy and the requirements for its implementation
• Audit the policy on a regular basis and report the results of any such audit to the Board of Directors.

Grafton Merchanting GB Head of Health, Safety and Environment will:

• Ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the necessary information, training and instruction on environmental issues and report to the Health & Safety Director.

Grafton Merchanting branches, in conjunction with the Health, Safety and Environmental manager and Branch Environmental Champions will:

• Maintain an energy conservation policy to reduce the consumption of nonrenewable resources.
• Minimise all waste and reduce, reuse, and recycle wastes whenever possible.
• Take part in recycling by whatever means practical to achieve substantial increases in the reuse of waste materials.
• Purchase items using recycled materials wherever possible.
• Only buy products which use non-renewable resources, if suitable equivalents are not available.
• Avoid the purchase of any product, wherever possible, the production or use of which pollutes the environment.
• Extend the training programmes of Grafton Merchanting to include elements which educate the staff, contractors and others in environmental protection and ecological matters.