INNOVATION & ENVIRONMENT
Our top three environmental priority objectives are:
Increasing the amount of recycling of waste undertaken in our offices and encourage our clients where we operate to adopt recycling procedures in their premises. We proactively work with our suppliers to minimise the use of packaging materials and with our procurement team to seek supply chain partners who actively utilise recycled materials in their packaging.
To use the least hazardous chemicals practically available in all our operations. We continue to rationalise our chemical usage and seek to use biodegradable chemicals that minimise environmental impact.
Reduce the amount of plastic and packaging used within our supply chain operation
“Our management systems are aligned to the principles of the ISO 14001.”
We are committed through our own actions and our relationship with all our stakeholders to adopt a ‘Green Agenda’. In pursuing our aims, we:
Work closely with our client partners to align environmental strategies and indicators at a local level to meet individual client and site objectives.
Rationalised our cleaning materials supplier base to minimise the number of delivery vehicles attending our operations.
We proactively procure commodities through our local supply networks to reduce delivery miles and waste.
Undertook a full review of our company fleet vehicles and changed to more fuel-efficient models with an estimated 10% reduction in carbon emissions.
We have installed trackers to monitor fuel usage and improve driver behaviours in company vehicles and continually seek ways to minimise unnecessary usage and encourage shared journey initiatives.
Installed low energy lighting to reduce consumption in our offices.
We actively encourage car sharing or use of public transport for employees working in company offices.
Rationalised cleaning materials use and introduced concentrated chemicals with dosing attachments to minimise chemical waste, reduce plastic container use and reduce stock holding.
Use microfibre technology so cloths can be reused, rather than single use or disposable items.
Use a range of chemicals that are biodegradable and hold environmentally-friendly accreditations.
We work with our customers to minimise utility costs through daylight cleaning service provision.
Actively participate in re-cycling initiatives and events such as WEEE collections from our operations to recycle electrical equipment.
Work closely with our procurement colleagues and suppliers to encourage the use of recyclable packaging & materials and where applicable re-usable containers and refill supplies.
Introduced waste recycling in our offices and encourage participation at client sites.
Use renewable energy contracts within our Head Office and area office network.
Facilitate and invest in the greater use of technology where appropriate/effective to reduce paper use e.g. MS Teams meetings and electronic auditing.
Facilitate home/remote working where possible to reduce travel miles for non-operational staff.
We use energy-efficient cleaning equipment and appliances to reduce overall energy consumption.
We carefully choose cleaning equipment that not only meets the highest standards of performance but also minimises energy consumption and environmental impact. Our state-of-the-art machines are equipped with advanced features designed to maximise efficiency while reducing resource usage.
Our floor scrubbers utilise innovative technologies such as low-water usage systems and automatic detergent dispensers to minimise water and chemical waste.
By incorporating these cutting-edge technologies into our cleaning operations, we not only deliver superior results but also demonstrate our commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility. Our state-of-the-art equipment ensures that we can achieve exceptional cleanliness while minimising our carbon footprint and preserving natural resources for future generations.
Supplier Engagement
Our aim is to deliver a sustainable cleaning service and proactively influence each aspect of the service through implementing eco-friendly initiatives. Through specific requirements contained within our procurement procedures we promote a sustainable procurement policy, and we have established local supply chain networks and actively engaged with suppliers who share the same environmental goals and objectives that we do.
Our main cleaning supply partner for your area is based in Carlisle, just a few miles from our Head Office.
We have worked closely with our suppliers to rationalise our chemical usage designed to minimise our environment impact.
Moved to reusable light equipment such as micro fibre rather than disposable paper product where possible and where this doesn’t conflict with the NHS national standards for cleanliness in Healthcare.
We are committed to working closely with all our stakeholders to minimise our carbon footprint through local procurement and reducing delivery miles wherever possible. In pursuing these objectives, we:
Rationalise our supplier base, minimising the number of deliveries required to sites
We work closely with our supply partners to assess how their distribution to sites can best be programmed to minimise unnecessary delivery miles between locations by adopting a delivery ‘slot’ schedule
We actively seek a single distribution network through combining the supply of cleaning chemicals with other consumable products
We are working closely with our chemicals/light equipment supplier to set sustainability targets in reducing the number of products we hold and the frequency of deliveries. We estimate that across our cleaning business a reduction of 10% in deliveries is achievable in 2024/25 and will deliver:
Our principal supplier for chemicals and cleaning materials, Bunzl, have introduced a Sustainability Awarded for manufacturers whose products meet their sustainability criteria, as shown below:
One such product we are currently trialling in our business is OdorBac Tec4 which has the highest sustainability credentials. The product is in a concentrated form and would be diluted on site using dosage equipment provided. This product could replace 3 others in our range and therefore, help to reduce the number of deliveries to sites and reducing our carbon footprint.
Another groundbreaking solution we are currently trailing within our operations and would be happy to discuss further with the Trust is Ozoklenz's aqueous ozone technology.
Ozoklenz's aqueous ozone technology represents an innovative development within the cleaning industry. By harnessing the natural power of ozone—a highly effective cleaning agent—this technology offers a chemical-free cleaning solution that is both potent and environmentally sustainable.
At the heart of this technology lies a wall-mounted filling station that ingeniously transforms oxygen into ozone through a simple process involving electricity. This ozone is then seamlessly mixed with water to create aqueous ozone, a powerful cleaning solution that is entirely free of harmful chemicals.
The benefits of Ozoklenz's aqueous ozone technology are firstly, it provides an unparalleled level of cleanliness, certified to eliminate viruses, germs, bacteria, and other contaminants upon contact, thus ensuring a safe and hygienic environment. Moreover, unlike conventional cleaning chemicals, aqueous ozone reverts to water and oxygen within a mere four hours, making it completely safe to dispose of down the drain without harming waterways or aquatic life.
However, the environmental benefits don't end there. By producing our cleaning solution on-site using only electricity, oxygen, and water, we significantly reduce our carbon footprint associated with the manufacture and transportation of traditional cleaning products. Additionally, the elimination of plastic packaging and the need for replacement cartridges further contributes to our sustainability efforts.
Furthermore, while there is an initial installation cost for the wall-mounted filling station, the absence of ongoing costs related to production and replenishment ensures long-term cost efficiency. Any cost savings realised through this technology will be passed on to our clients, reinforcing our commitment to delivering value while prioritising sustainability.
The implementation of Ozoklenz's aqueous ozone technology, it would not only revolutionise the cleaning processes but also reaffirma joint dedication to environmental stewardship. By embracing innovation and sustainable practices, we continue to set new standards for excellence in cleaning services while safeguarding the planet for future generations.
Verification and Continuous Improvement
To ensure the effectiveness of our environmental strategies, Orian employs the following verification and improvement processes:
1. Monitoring and Reporting:
Environmental Audits: We conduct regular environmental audits to evaluate our performance against targets, focusing on energy use, waste production, water consumption, and chemical management.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs): We track KPIs related to our environmental impact and use this data to drive improvements.
2. Feedback and Improvement:
Staff Training and Feedback: We provide ongoing training to staff and seek feedback on environmental practices, using this input to refine our processes.
Client Collaboration: We work closely with clients to align on environmental goals and gather feedback on our performance.
3. Certification and Standards:
We operate in line with the principles of ISO 14001 certification for environmental management, demonstrating our commitment to managing and reducing environmental impacts.
Regulatory Compliance: We ensure compliance with relevant environmental regulations through regular reviews and inspections by our Health and Safety team.
By implementing these strategies and verification processes, Orian is committed to effectively managing and reducing the environmental impacts associated with our cleaning services, ensuring a sustainable approach to our operations.