Petone-based business Datamail has become increasingly focused on reducing their environmental impact through various initiatives such as recycling and minimising waste and it is leading to cost savings.

On Wednesday, March 19, volunteer ‘GreenKeepers’ from the data and information company are running their second waste audit which they hope will confirm the success of their ‘GoGreen’ waste and recycling programme originally implemented in July 2007.

Group CEO of Datamail, Gary Woodham says that the take-up of the waste and recycling programme by the 350 employees at the Petone site has been “fantastic”.

“Our initial reporting shows that we are recycling almost 80% of the waste being generated at out head office after just six months of the GoGreen programme being in place. That equates to more than $20,000 in savings per annum.

“We are committed to doing our bit to reduce waste, which is just one part of our overall sustainable programme. Every positive action is very important in reducing our environmental impact and Datamail people are enthusiastically driving these programmes and making a real difference,” said Mr Woodham.

Volunteer ‘GreenKeepers’, Under the guidelines of the ministry of the Environment’s Govt3 programme, ran an initial audit in July 2007 to get a baseline measure how much waste was being generated per full-time employee, and how much of this waste could be recycled and diverted from landfill. Over three days waste was sorted, separated, weighed and recorded to establish just how much paper, cardboard, plastic and compostable rubbish they produced . The audit calculated that the environmental footprint per person at the Petone site was 49kgs of waste to landfill per year.

As a result of the audit in July Datamail’s Petone site targeted a 40% reduction in waste or 30kg per person per year. Just a few months into their programme reports from their recycling provider indicated close to 80% of the waste being generated on site is being diverted from landfill. There has also been the added benefit of cost savings related to a reduction in landfill costs and paper recycling.

Knowing they wouldn’t create a change in people’s behaviour by mandates or hard sell, a programme was adopted that showed the way by putting the concept in a context that made it relevant to employees.

This successful ‘hands on’ initiative has provided a model for other Datamail sites. Regular audits will monitor further improvements while waste champions promote the GoGreen campaign messages and research new ways to reduce waste even further.