Recycling progress
UK locations continue to implement their local environmental action plans. Our waste contractor has also maintained an integrated approach to managing our various waste streams as well as the provision of reliable information. Not only do we now have more accurate figures for our locations, but these provide evidence of various improvements on previous years. We continue to work with our waste contractor to look at further opportunities of recycling.
| Waste |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
| Tonnes |
862.35 |
784.10 |
780.63 |
| kg/fte |
235 |
175 |
155 |
| % recycled |
75% |
58% |
59% |
Paper minimisation
At Zurich, we take our environmental responsibilities seriously - we’re committed to reducing our carbon footprint and using our resources responsibly. In 2015 the paper saving initiative in our Life business saved over half a million pieces of paper and 279,000 envelopes. We've achieved the majority of our savings by simply replacing the automated printing of system-generated communications with electronic alternatives – a change that provides the same level of information to our customers, more quickly and at a reduced cost to our business and the environment.
Water minimisation
Since 2008, analysis of water consumption at larger sites has been facilitated using a detailed spreadsheet, showing figures based on accurate consumption and occupancy figures for the location.
Waterless urinal systems have been installed to those locations that are suitable. In other locations, movement detectors have been installed that trigger the flushing. A programme of works to install tank bags to all WC cisterns that are not dual flush has been successfully completed and flow restrictors have been fitted in all washroom facilities.
Water minimisation results
In 2015 water usage across all our UK sites was 49,630 m3 or 10m3 per FTE which is slightly lower than the 2014 figures of 50,572 m3 and 11 m3 per fte.
In 2016 we will continue to install remote metering at all major locations so any significant variations in consumption will be noted within a few hours and corrective action can be taken. Targeting and monitoring water in this way is expected to produce additional savings.