blog

DNCC Nottinghamshire Best Business Awards 2013

Wed, 29 May 2013 15:44:02 +0100

"Nottinghamshire's Best Business Awards 2013, run by Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Chamber of Commerce in conjunction with Insider Media Ltd, aims to recognise, reward and celebrate business excellence across the county.

This year, there are nine categories for businesses to enter, as listed below. The winner of the coveted Business of the Year title will be chosen from the nine category winners."

We are very pleased to be sponsoring the Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Chamber of Commerce Best Business Awards for 2013.

We are sponsoring the Sustainability Award for Nottinghamshire and will be presenting the award during the awards dinner to be held in October.

The Sustainability Award

The Sustainability Award celebrates the achievements of a business that has used processes and technologies to either have a positive effect or to mitigate its impact on the environment. Importance will be placed on the vision the company holds and the opportunities which this brings for reducing their environmental impact. Companies that have cut resource use, streamlined their procedures to become more environmentally friendly or have reduced their energy usage or waste output are eligible for this award.

Details of how to enter the awards can be found on the DNCC website http://www.dncc.co.uk/news/3185/search-is-on-for-the-best-in-business

Good Luck!

Job Vacancy - Senior Environmental/Life Cycle Analysis Consultant

Tue, 07 May 2013 11:50:26 +0100

Senior Environmental / Life Cycle Analysis Consultant

37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday. Occasional travel (inc overnight) required

Responsible Solutions Limited – Helping you profit form a Cleaner Corporate Conscience

Loughborough, Leicestershire The role will be based at our office in Loughborough, Leicestershire but will involve travel both around the UK and possibly internationally (a full clean driving licence is therefore essential)

Salary: Dependent on experience

Responsible Solutions Limited is a Corporate Responsibility Consultancy that provides tailored solutions that enable businesses to address environmental and ethical issues and profit from a cleaner corporate conscience. We have a reputation both locally and nationally for providing leading edge advice on sustainability issues particularly in the construction sector. This is an exceptional opportunity for someone who has the drive and motivation to bring their experience to make a difference in a small, rapidly growing consultancy.

This exciting new role is part of the company's plan for growth over the coming months and years. Further information of our service offering can be found by contacting charlotte@responsible-solutions.co.uk.

The Role

The nature of our projects varies quite widely from providing strategic sustainability advice to organisations; developing, implementing and auditing environmental management systems (including to ISO14001); developing and delivering training programmes; through to communicating performance to customers. We are leading specialists in providing Responsible Sourcing advice and implementing BES6001, mainly to the Construction industry, and are currently developing our services further to incorporate expertise in Life Cycle Analysis and Environmental Product Declarations.

As a result we are looking for someone who is flexible and can turn their hand to a variety of tasks, however, the primary technical duties will include, although the precise scope of the role will depend on the prior experience of the successful candidate: a.

develop and deliver a range of sustainability training courses on an in-house basis to clients’ requirements ;
Develop and market a suite of e-learning modules on a range of sustainability topics in alignment to company sales strategy and to
develop, market and deliver life cycle analysis services in alignment to company sales strategy.

Other duties will also include giving advice to organisations including on-site visits, conducting research and analysing data and writing clear and concise reports. You will also be expected to deliver projects within time and budget, provide client care, and contribute to business development and proposal writing

The Person

In addition to a passion for helping organisations reduce their environmental impacts you will be self-motivated and exhibit a desire to contribute to a small but growing organisation. You must be able to demonstrate knowledge of environmental issues and their management and experience in advising clients on how to deal with them. You will also be able to demonstrate a proven ability in developing and delivering training workshops. Experience in developing Life Cycle Analysis and EPD’s is essential.

You will possess at least a Bachelor level to degree but ideally a Masters level (or equivalents) in an environmental/ sustainability discipline and be a member of IEMA or equivalent professional institution.

In addition you will be able to demonstrate the following key skills and characteristics:

A self starter with high levels of motivation and enthusiasm.
High level of organisational and interpersonal skills
A detail conscious approach to work
High computer literacy is essential but particularly a proven advanced knowledge in Microsoft Word and Excel is required.
Excellent project management skills
Excellent report writing and presentation skills
Excellent verbal communication and networking skills

To apply for the position, please send your CV and covering letter detailing how you meet the person specification (which can be downloaded below or by emailing charlotte@responsible-solutions.co.uk) to the postal or email address below by Monday 20^th May 2013.

Interviews are due to take place during the week commencing 3^rd June 2013

Responsible Solutions Ltd

Unit 12, The office Village

North Road

Loughborough

LE11 1QJ

Job Description

Person Spec

Project Administrator - Job Vacancy

Thu, 15 Nov 2012 09:10:28 +0000

Project Administrator (Part-time, 16 hours per week, across 2 or more days, flexible to suit)

Responsible Solutions Limited – Working with you for a Cleaner Corporate Conscience

Loughborough, Leicestershire

Salary: £17,000 - £19,000 dependent on experience

Responsible Solutions Limited is an Environmental Consultancy that believes in making a difference to the environment and to businesses by providing tailored solutions to enable companies to prove and improve their Environmental credentials.

This exciting new role is part of the company's plan for growth over the coming months and years.

As Project Administrator you will be involved with a wide range of administrative duties all key to the smooth running of the Loughborough office and the overall success of the company. You will have recent experience of administering and monitoring projects, accounts and general administration in a professional services environment, coupled with good IT software and systems skills. A self motivated team player who brings strong organisational skills, a methodical way of working and attention to detail, along with a real desire to provide great service to colleagues and clients. Whilst not essential, experience of Sage accounting software or a strong willingness to learn is highly desirable.

Applications are via c.v. with a covering letter clearly setting out how you fulfill the person specification.

Applications should be emailed to Charlotte Baker, Operations Manager (charlotte@responsible-solutions.co.uk) by 4 pm on Friday 18th January 2013.

Interviews to be held on Friday 25th January 2013

Please download the Job Description Person Specification here before applying for this post.

Project Administrator Job Description

University to host ‘Responsible sourcing in action’ conference next month

Wed, 07 Nov 2012 12:44:21 +0000

Loughborough University next month follow on from last year’s extremely successful and thought provoking conference concerning responsible sourcing of construction products.

‘Responsible sourcing in action: Understanding the market and supply chain’ takes place on November 21-23, and seeks to help embed responsible sourcing and ethical specification throughout the international construction industry.

The conference will include an opening address by Chief Group Executive of the Building Research Establishment, Dr Peter Bonfield as well as a key note address on risk and regulation from Sarah Cary, Sustainable Developments Executive at British Land. Also discussed will be corporate social responsibility, sustainable procurement and international supply chains.

There is also the chance to attend a half day work shop on ‘Collaborative Visioning’. This will provide an excellent opportunity to network with leading industry figures and contribute ideas to the development of responsible sourcing.

The event will lead to a high-profile Visioning Report, to be published in 2013, with support from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, and other leading industry bodies.

Delegates are welcome from a broad range of organisations, including manufacturers, contractors, consultants, clients and trade associations to hear about the latest developments in responsible sourcing. Places can be booked online.

ASDA to build on green savings with new sustainable supply chain scheme

Wed, 17 Oct 2012 13:35:01 +0100

ASDA the British super market chain is working towards an expansion of their supplier sustainability scheme after it’s successfully saved the company £13m over the last 10 months.

The retailer and its supply chain have worked in conjunction with a Sustain and Save Exchange programme to create innovations in their energy, waste and water efficiency to improve the supply chains sustainability.

The project covers over 300 suppliers that ASDA work with, suppliers including the likes of Youngs Seafood, Warburtons and Cranswick, famous for working with Levi Roots and his Reggae Reggae sauce, they will now assemble a think tank to combat a broad selection of sustainability issues. They will look in the direction of solar power installations and waste segregation to target these issues.

ASDA’s Food Trading Director, Barry Williams, speaks on looking to construct a ‘’world class supply base’’ for ASDA’s long term future. He went on to state ‘’We want to work together with our supplier partners so we can learn from each other to increase our efficiencies and resilience to the growing challenges of resource scarcity’’.

ASDA have also claimed that they have saved a total of 80m since 2005 by reducing their impact on the environment, which they plan to increase to 800m by 2020.

Since last year ASDA have cut their carbon emissions by 4.3% which totals to 17.7% since 2005 exceeding their set target of 10% by 2015. They’ve also improved the companies waste and transport efficiencies with all of their food waste now being recycled and with a 40% decrease in emissions from the company’s heavy goods fleet.

Responsible Solutions can help you emulate ASDA and work alongside you to make your company more eco-friendly, so don’t hesitate to get in contact with us.

To read the original article in full please visit the following link: http://www.businessgreen.com/bg/news/2213705/asda-to-build-on-green-savings-with-new-sustainable-supply-chain-scheme?wt.mc_ev=click&WT.tsrc=Email&utm_term=&utm_content=Asda%20to%20build%20on%20green%20savings%20with%20new%20sustainable%20supply%20chain%20scheme&utm_campaign=BusinessGreen%20Weekly%20Newsletter%20031012&utm_source=Business%20Green%20Weekly&utm_medium=Email

Responsible sourcing in action: understanding the market and supply chain

Fri, 05 Oct 2012 10:31:30 +0100

Industry conference focuses on improving procurement practices and knowledge exchange

The second conference of the Action Programming on Responsible Sourcing (APRES) project addresses key challenges in the responsible sourcing of construction products.

This two-day event covers a wide range of themes from responsible procurement and purchasing on an international level, to client perspectives on responsible sourcing and facilitating supply chain collaboration. Featuring presentations from clients, contractors and auditors, there will be case studies from product manufacturers on how to promote responsibly sourced products which will be beneficial for project managers and anyone involved in major construction projects.

The event concludes with a visioning workshop where delegates will have the opportunity to contribute to the future direction of responsible sourcing, network with leading industry figures and build on discussions that develop during the conference. Outputs from the workshop will inform an industry report that will be published in 2013.

The conference takes place on 21-23 November 2012 at the University of Loughborough. Clickhere for more information and to reserve your place.

The APRES project is funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council and supported by a number of industry and academic partners. Becoming an associate member is free of charge. Existing members include representatives from the Kier Group, B&Q, Tata Steel and Willmott Dixon. Email apres@lboro.ac.uk to find out more.

Original Blog Post: http://www.building4change.com/page.jsp?id=1480

British Gypsum BES 6001

Wed, 05 Sep 2012 10:12:45 +0100

Responsible Solutions have worked alongside British Gypsum to help them acquire the BES 6001 ‘very good’ rating from BRE.

BES6001 was developed by BRE (Building Research Establishment). It allows construction companies to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability and responsible sourcing. By achieving the BES 6001 ‘very good’ rating, British Gypsum became the first UK gypsum based plastering & dry lining manufacturer to achieve the BES 6001 accreditation for a range of its products.

To achieve the BES 6001 ‘very good’ rating British Gypsum had to undertake a 4 year review of its suppliers and the supply chain. It also included the implementation of a responsible sourcing framework strategy which set & reviewed objectives and targets for them. British Gypsum is required to put in place quality & supplier management to establish policies & objective for all environmental issues.

British Gypsum should be very proud to achieve such accreditation. It’s also the first UK gypsum-based plastering company to gain a BES 6001 rating for a core range of its products. It shows their commitment to sustainability, which has become a more important consideration for construction companies. We would like to congratulate British Gypsum on achieving the certification for a range of their products.

To view the BES 6001 ‘very good’ rating certificate for British Gypsum: http://www.british-gypsum.com/pdf/CERT_BES%206001_RS0011.pdf

Supply Chain School Launch

Wed, 01 Aug 2012 13:49:02 +0100

As project delivery partners, Responsible Solutions are proud to announce the launch of the Supply Chain Sustainability School in partnership with construction companies, Skanska, Sir Robert McApline and Kier.

The school was founded by Skanska with assistance from Kier, Lend Lease, Morgan Sindall, Wilmott Dixon, Sir Robert McAlpine and Lend Lease, and features input from Aggregate Industries. The companies are working in collaboration with CITB (The Construction Industry Training Board) – Construction skills who have provided funding for the project until August 2013.

Responsible Solutions have created virtual learning modules for the issue areas: Water, Waste, Climate Change, Sustainable Materials, Environmental Management, and Sustainable Construction. The Virtual learning technology enables users to access the topics through their PC’s, laptops, phones and iPads, meaning it is a valuable tool in helping people access the learning materials created.

Aggregate Industries’ head of sustainability, Shamir Ghumra, said the school would help suppliers address the issues of their contractors: “One client might ask us about BREEAM, another about our carbon footprint. We’re left asking, ‘where do we go for information?’ By opening [the school] out to such a broad Church, we can get a much better idea of what our clients want. It’s much more holistic”.

Training workshops begin in September so don’t miss out, you can register online or book a place on the supply chain info days at:

www.supplychainschool.co.uk

Or contact us directly www.responsible-solutions.co.uk Tel: 01509 320 100 for further information.

APRES wins industry award!

Wed, 30 May 2012 11:07:33 +0100

Responsible Solutions are pleased to announce that the APRES Network (Action Programme for Responsible Sourcing), has been awarded the Associate Member Sustainability Champion 2012 award at the British Precast awards which was hosted at the King Power Stadium in Leicester.

This award is given for outstanding contributions to sustainability activities in the construction products industry, APRES were nominated with the help of Loughborough University who are British Precast Associate members. Jacqui Glass collected the award at the event on behalf of all the APRES network members.

We are very proud that the contribution APRES makes to the Construction Industry has been recognized and rewarded. We look forward to continuing our work with APRES and other companies to promote Responsible Sourcing in the Construction industry further.

UKCG Press Release - April 2012

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 13:49:02 +0100

UKCG statement on the procurement of materials

On the 12th April 2012 the UK Contractors Group released a statement outlining their committment to the procurement of

materials from sustainable sources. Read on to see the detail of the statement or visit www.ukcg.org.uk for further information.

"UKCG members have agreed a new statement on the procurement of materials which makes clear their intention to buy products from sustainable sources. The policy commits UKCG members to, “support and give preference to procuring products which are able to demonstrate compliance with a recognised responsible sourcing scheme, certified by a third party".

To support the implementation of this new policy, UKCG members will agree more detailed statements on specific materials. A statement on the procurement of timber is also being published today"

If you think this may have an impact on your buiness - speak to us today about how we can help or visit www.responsible-sourcing.co.uk to find out more.

Our visit to Eco Build 2012

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 11:52:18 +0000

Eco Build - 20th - 22nd March 2012, Excel, London

Following on from our time at Eco Build in 2011, we decided to reutnr in 2012 - bigger and better! I can't give you the details of our stand yet....it's a secret...but I can tell you that it will be different, interesting and a little bit fun.

As well as designing an eye catching stand we have been talking about how to give our clients added value during the exhibition and we have designed a timetable of one to one sessions that our clients, past, present and future, can all benefit from. These will be FREE 30 minute sessions based around the two topics of Environmental Management Systems and Responsible Sourcing.

Details of our sessions can be found on our Events and Webinars page or you can contact Charlotte via email at charlotte@responsible-solutions.co.uk for futher details.

We're very much looking forward to catching up with clients, colleagues and visitors to Eco Build for what promises to be a busy and eventful three days!

BSi - Associate Consultant Programme

Tue, 04 Oct 2011 14:05:23 +0100

BSi- Associate Consultant Programme - New membership!

Responsible Solutions are pleased to confirm their acceptance as part of the BSi Associate Consultant Programme. Please visit www.bsigroup.co.uk/improve for futher details. We look forward to working with BSi and the companies that it supports - with ISO14001, ISO18001, BES6001 and other certifications.

UKGBC World Green Building Week 19 - 23 September 2011

Fri, 12 Aug 2011 10:19:16 +0100

Responsible Solutions to take part in UKGBC World Green Building Week!

We're very pleased to have been able to register three events with the UKGBC in connection with their World Green Building week being held during the 19 - 23rd September 2011.

What is World Green Building Week all about?

World Green Building Week is held annually to highlight the importance of sustainable buildings for businesses, communities and individuals across the world.

Every year, in the third week of September, international Green Building Councils and their members co-ordinate activities and hold events that reflect what sustainability means to them in relation to their specific built environments. From South Africa to Singapore and from Brazil to Australia, green buildings are put under the spotlight, green policy is debated and best practice is recognised.

Responsible Solutions is happy to be taking part in three events that week, details of which can be found on the UKGBC calendar of events, on our facebook page (Responsible Solutions Ltd) or by emailing Charlotte@responsible-solutions.co.uk.

The events are:

Wednesday 21st September - 18:00 - ICE AGM - Ian Nicholson to talk at the AGM in Kegworth

Thursday 22nd September - 16:00 - Responsible Sourcing Introduction - Webinar (FREE)

Friday 23rd September - 09:00 - 13:00 - BeRight Seminar, Leicester - FREE Business help with Legal, Health and Safety and Environmental issues.

For any queries or registrations please contact Charlotte Taylor at Responsible Solutions on 01509 320100 or by emailing charlotte@responsible-solutions.co.uk

Our new Facebook page!

Wed, 03 Aug 2011 12:54:14 +0100

We can now be found on Facebook! 'Like' our page to be kept updated of our events, services and news as well as special offers and incentives.

We'll also use it as a platform to keep you updated with any useful information, interesting websites and blog posts and any details of changes in regulations.

Responsible Solutions Ltd - Facebook

Virtual Environment Manager

Thu, 28 Jul 2011 11:52:31 +0100

Working with you for a cleaner corporate conscience

VIRTUAL ENVIRONMENT MANAGER

So, you have managed to obtain your ISO14001 approval, and you are hopefully enjoying some of the extra business that you can now quote for. With a bit of luck you have also achieved some cost savings along the way.

So, time to rest on your laurels? Of course you do have to maintain your approval, and you should really use that as a means of saving even more costs as you continue to improve your environmental performance.

The problem is allocating the time to keeping all your systems up to date and auditing them. Just in case you have forgotten the size of the task, there is a reminder on the back page.

If you find all that just a bit intimidating, don’t worry. You can join the growing list of companies taking advantage of our Virtual Environment Manager service.

Our Virtual Environment Manager service gives you

All the reviews and updates that your system needs

Expert knowledge

Constantly fully up to date

Peace of mind that your processes are compliant

On-site support during ISO assessments

Guaranteed approval at ISO assessments

Saving you time on maintaining your system

Further cost saving opportunities

For a fixed monthly fee

This is what maintaining your Environmental Management System involves:

Demonstrate continual improvement in your environmental management
Ensure that the Environmental Policy continues to be communicated to all staff
Review all activities where you can be expected to influence your environmental performance
Take account of the environmental impact of any changes to processes or products
Incorporate any new legislation (including any case law rulings) into your Environmental Management System
Document improvements and updates to your manuals
Document improvements and updates to your processes
Review performance against your Environmental goals and targets
Demonstrate you have reviewed and assessed the behaviour of any contractors used
Review training provision and training needs
Review your emergency procedures
Regularly test your emergency procedures
Record and report on all non-conformance
Regularly audit your procedures in line with their environmental importance
Ensure that top management regularly conducts an environmental review

Full Virtual Environment Manager service

Available from £200 per month + VAT

(Other support packages available from as little as £50 per month + VAT)

Does your business benefit from a well-run ISO14001?

Wed, 29 Jun 2011 11:42:24 +0100

Are you confident your ISO14001 is up to audit standards?

An Environmental Management System is becoming essential to winning work and we know how hard it is to achieve and maintain an ISO14001 certification. You know that you need to keep on top of your environmental responsibilities, be aware of changes to legislation and ensure that your employees are appropriately trained – but it’s a harder task than it sounds isn’t it?

Did you know….? A well maintained system could;

help differentiate you from other companies – giving you that competitive edge and possibly helping you to win more work
ensure you are always compliant with new legislation – keeping you on the right side of the Law
identify resource efficiencies – saving you money in the long term

Following the success of our webinars on Responsible Sourcing (www.responsible-sourcing.co.uk) we are running further seminars on ISO14001 and its upkeep. We are hoping that this will give businesses an insight into how and why they need to keep up to date with all elements of the standard, to ensure that their business is reaping the rewards of this excellent achievement.

Please email charlotte@responsible-solutions.co.uk to register for one of the following FREE webinars, stating your name, company and job title.

Tuesday 19^th July 08:30 - 09:30

Tuesday 19^th July 12:30 – 13:30

Thursday 21^st July 16:00 – 17:00

****Register before Monday 4^th July and receive a free gap analysis for your ISO14001 certification****

How confident are you that your systems are being maintained correctly and accurately? Confident enough to turn down a FREE 1 hour webinar giving you vital information on ways to ensure you’re on target?

If you think that maybe finding out a little more could be of benefit to you, register by emailing Charlotte@responsible-solutions.co.uk detailing your name, business and email address.

Many thanks – we look forward to talking with you in July.

Be Right Event

Mon, 06 Jun 2011 11:24:51 +0100

BeRight Events - Because in business, there are some things you just can't afford to get wrong

Responsible Solutions have teamed up with colleagues from CoLaw for an event on Wednesday 22nd June from 09:00am at Highpoint, 165 Glenfield Road, Leicester, LE3 6DJ. The FREE half day informal session is aimed at helping you through the legal minefield of business. The seminar will provide you with guidance on the simple steps you need to take plus also offering advice on how your business could fulfill it's environmental and social responsibilities - you could even find out how this could win your business more work!

Mike Ellerby, CoLaw's Health and Safety specialist and Steve Edwards, their Employment Law guru, will join Ian Nicholson of Responsible Solutions to bring you this FREE event.

Please visit www.berightevents.co.uk or call 08456 588703 to book your place

Charlotte writes IPA article

Thu, 12 May 2011 10:45:30 +0100

Charlotte was recently asked to write an article for the Insitute of Professional Administrators, IPA ,on her top tips for getting the recognition we deserve in the work place. It has now been published in their spring magazine and you are welcome to have a read following the link below.

What do you think? Do you agree? Feedback very much welcome!

Charlotte Taylor - 5 Top TIps

FREE Responsible Sourcing Webinars!

Fri, 29 Apr 2011 07:46:01 +0100

Do you want to win more work?

In the current business climate we’d all like to win more work but in such a competitive market this can often be difficult to achieve – especially when everyone is offering similar services. There are ways, however, in which you can get a step ahead of your competitors by proving your environmental credentials and improving your business image.

Responsible Sourcing is a growing concern for businesses in the UK, with the UK Contractors Group increasing their target for the use of sustainability sourced materials to 70% by 2015. Do you know enough about Responsible Sourcing to be able to win business by meeting this increased target? We do, and so do the companies we’re currently helping to gain BES6001 standards and to train their staff in understanding what Responsible Sourcing means for their business.

At Responsible Solutions we understand that you might not know all you need to in order to make Responsible Sourcing a major differentiator for your business, and that’s why we’d like to invite you to attend a free online seminar detailing what it means and how it might affect you.

Places are limited and will be issued on a first come first served basis. Please see the available dates below and Click here to register for a place, providing your name, company and contact details.

***Register before Friday 6^th May and receive your first day of consultation free on certification to BES6001 or 10% off a training course place.***

Upcoming dates for our Free online seminar:

Monday 23^rd May

1:30 – 2:30pm

Thursday 9^th June

10:00 - 11:00am

Please register by clicking here.

Many thanks for your time and we look forward to seeing you at the seminar!

Low Carbon Conference - Nottingham

Fri, 25 Mar 2011 16:08:35 +0000

Big Business - Low Carbon Conference

Watch Managing Director, Ian Nicholson, at the Nottingham Big Business Low Carbon Conference - Showcasing Low Carbon and Energy.