During a recent retender process for a valued long-term client, we were specifically asked to describe the current industry trends, outline the sustainability practices we implement in our various services, and explain how JCW consistently keep our clients on the leading edge of technology and innovation. These particular questions have emerged with increasing frequency in recent years, reflecting a growing awareness and importance placed on these issues. Naturally, JCW has developed a comprehensive and effective solution to address these concerns.

Industry Standards

As part of Apleona UK, we operate in accordance to an ISO 14001-certified environmental management system and an ISO 50001-certified energy management system, ensuring compliance with environmental and energy standards. But what is sustainability beyond this code of international standard, we hope to show a glimpse within this blog.

Sustainability Challenges

We face specific sustainability challenges related to energy consumption, waste management, and the environmental impact of hard building services. These challenges include the potential for high carbon emissions from energy-intensive operations and the environmental impact of improper disposal of materials and chemicals. Additionally, as a medium sized business, we have a significant responsibility to actively shape and nurture our current and future workforce, ensuring that they are well prepared with the necessary skills, mentality and values to thrive in this ever-evolving industry.

Sustainability in People

Our open and inclusive workplace fosters benefits such as better morale, higher retention, and an enhanced company reputation, reflected in our low turnover rate. Recognising our staff as our greatest asset, we believe that happy employees lead to a thriving work environment. To support continuous business development, we provide lifestyle incentives and prioritise mental health and wellbeing in appreciation of their hard work. We offer this through our Perkbox scheme.

We ensure that all employees, at every level, are given the skills and development to be able to carry out their duties confidently and effectively. This is underpinned by our Training & Development Policy. We believe that the training and development of our employees are fundamental to the provision of quality service.

In our search for continuous improvement, we recognise that training and coaching will enable people to develop both personally and as part of a skilled team. We make this available to our staff through annual or quarterly appraisals.

Sustainability in Equipment

Supplier Day events are held which can focus on carbon reporting, modern slavery, and sustainability. These events provide a unique opportunity to connect with many preferred suppliers, showcasing innovative products and sustainable practices. Our approach is to use high-quality, environmentally friendly, sustainable and efficient equipment that is strictly in accordance with the latest British Standard specifications. We keep up to date with the latest innovations and techniques and use these to drive efficiencies within the contracts that we manage.

One way we ensure sustainability for the equipment we look after is by reviewing the condition of the assets/system at each service visit and provide advice on the condition and longevity, providing remedial quotations as necessary.  If we notice an unsafe condition or inefficiencies whilst on site, we will inform our clients immediately and if necessary, work with them to effect a temporary or permanent fix. We will also make replacement recommendations where equipment are reaching end of life/lack of spares/support, as well as any additional servicing requirements.

Sustainability in Travel

We recognise, as a business who deliver building maintenance services nationally, that business travel is a ‘hot spot’ in our carbon emissions. As such, we have introduced initiatives to facilitate our goal of reducing these emissions which include; a Lightfoot Tracking system for our engineers’ vehicles, a commitment to phase out all diesel vehicles and phase in electric and hybrid models, sustainable procurement practices and carbon offsetting.

Our culture is to ensure that all employees take driving seriously and take care of their vehicles. “Lightfoot” focusses on driver behaviours and driving with energy efficiency in mind. It is like giving every driver a personal driving coach that understands their vehicle and the road and good driving behavior is incentivised with prizes to elite drivers. This results in better drivers, reduced fleet fuel costs, safer roads and a greener planet.

Future of Sustainability

As we look ahead, it is essential to embrace new technologies and practices that not only enhance operational efficiency but also contribute positively to society and the environment. We know the future of our industry has ample room for innovation and social value, as a UK national maintenance provider, we have a special role to play, that is why we engage in sustainable and responsible practices that meets both the evolving needs of clients and communities alike.