Addison Lee Environmetal Commitments
- Ongoing CO2 emission reduction
- Recyclable fleet sourcing
- Improved staff, supplier and client environmental awareness
- Expansion of home worker network
- Investment in local and socio-economic CSR
Our fleet
After extensive research into the market place, Addison Lee has chosen the Volkswagen Sharan, the Ford Galaxy and the Mercedes Benz E and S-class vehicles to make up its fleet, as tests have shown that all 4 models are over 75% recyclable – considerably greener than any other vehicle in their class, and overall far less damaging to the environment than any hybrid vehicle available.
Addison Lee has given serious consideration to incorporating battery charged vehicles into its fleet, but our subsequent research has convinced us that the future of greener vehicles lies in the hands of the manufacturers of these vehicles and the producers of more energy-efficient fuel.
After working closely with all of our major clients, we have managed to reduce drivers’ ‘dead’ mileage by 17.6% over the last 5 years. Put simply, because our vehicles rarely have to travel more than half a mile to arrive at their next collection point, the emissions are substantially lower than those of our competitors who, owing to their vastly smaller fleet sizes, often need to travel several miles between jobs. This has led to a reduction of greenhouse emissions by 17.6%, which equates to approximately 22,000 tonnes over 5 years (Addison Lee began statistical measuring of environmental improvements in 2002).
• The world record in vehicle efficiency still belongs to Volkswagen – The VW Lupo 3L TDi achieves 118mpg and 81 grams CO2 per kilometer.
• The Ford Galaxy has been rated by Euro NCAP (European New Car Assessment Programme), the independent safety testing body, and received a maximum 5-star rating and 35 points for adult protection and 4 stars for child protection. In fact, that makes Ford Galaxy the highest ever scoring right-hand drive car.
• Our S-class Mercedes exceeds even the 2014 Euro 6 emissions standards
• Our Mercedes E and S-class also exceed the government’s 2012 recyclability standards which will require all cars built after that date to be a minimum of 98% recyclable
• Our Mercedes S-class was the world’s first car to be awarded an environmental certificate, which recognises the car’s compliance with ISO standard 14062.
Emissions
The Past
Addison Lee has reduced each of our drivers’ dead mileage by 17.6% over the last 5 years. This has cut greenhouse gas emissions by the same amount, which is a great step towards combating climate change. The choice of our fleet alone has also allowed us to make substantial savings in CO2 emissions (from 220g/km to 164 g/km).
The Present
Addison Lee has recently made further cuts in vehicle emissions. We have reduced our average distance to pick-up by 50%. This has saved us 16,000 miles per day and is probably one of the biggest breakthroughs for Addison Lee’s Environmental Management System so far this year.
We have also saved an impressive 2000 plus miles per day, with the addition of a new software upgrade to our allocation system that allows drivers conducting their last job of the day to be allocated a journey in the direction of their home. This saves 18,000 miles every day of the year which, without a doubt, makes us the most efficient private hire fleet in London.
Over the period of 2002-2008 we have achieved a total carbon reduction of 20-26%. This information will be verified in our 2008 environmental statement and the results will be made available for public viewing.
Addison Lee aims to reduce its CO2 emissions by 60% by 2025 (the Government’s new deadline). We therefore have 17 years in which we need to average a 2.5% CO2 reduction per year to meet the targets, which we believe we can achieve:
The Future
Hydrogen: Addison Lee is working in partnership with The London Climate Change Agency on the first hydrogen powered taxi in London.
Additionally, we are currently working closely with Volkswagen, Ford and Mercedes, looking at the new ranges of energy efficient diesels such as Volkswagen's common-rail turbo diesel technology in an effort to improve efficiency and emissions.
We are also consulting Volkswagen about the diesel-based engine technology known as CCS (Combined Combustion System), which, along with greater fuel efficiency, will be able to run bio fuels of the future. Addison Lee tracks bio fuel sustainability and advancements through membership of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Renewable Transport Fuels.
We have just completed a fleet review with Energy Savings Trust. This is an independent review of all aspects of the fleet from an environmental perspective. Amongst other subjects, the comprehensive report covered the fleet’s carbon footprint, vehicle allocation policy, fuel economy and driver training. We are now starting to work on the issues highlighted in the report to further reduce our carbon emissions.
Additionally we have just joined Motorvate, a membership scheme for innovative fleet managers, implementing measures to reduce carbon emissions. Motorvate is the next logical step after a fleet review for any company that is serious about improving its environmental performance and efficiency. The project, funded by the Department for Transport, measures the progress by certification and Addison Lee is ultimately aiming to achieve the gold level award.
Driver Training
We train all our drivers to NVQ level in road passenger vehicle driving free of charge. Amongst other subjects, we cover defensive driving and the environmental impact of using a car on a daily basis, and how to reduce emissions by driving efficiently. Additionally, in our monthly internal newsletter, “BriefLee”, we regularly include tips on how to save fuel and consequently reduce emissions.
Recycling
Addison Lee commits to procure goods from sustainable sources and specifically to increase the proportion of timber and paper products obtained from certified, well managed forests and through recycling. Additionally, all of Addison Lee’s prospective suppliers are expected to provide an environmental overview of their business operations before being considered and we send each of them an annual verification report and a supplier assessment survey.
Offices
Addison Lee recycles over 98% of all office and garage waste and is looking to improve these figures with the help of Bywaters, a London based waste management and recycling company.
Our waste carriers include Brent Oil, Bywaters, McGrath and the vehicle manufacturers themselves. A range of waste streams were verified, totalling 515.4 tons. These included:
Vehicle batteries - 60 tons
Oil - 11 tons
Tyres - 156 tons
Discs - 207 tons
General waste - 52 tons
Dry recyclables - 10.4 tons
Brake pads - 12.9 tons
Gear boxes - 5 tons
Water pumps - 0.3 tons
Alternators - 0.3 tons
Starter motors - 0.04 tons
IT equipment - 0.8 tons
Furniture is fully recycled, but the volumes have yet to be determined. Currently, 20 tons of waste goes to landfill, thereby returning a rate of 98% recycling.
Home workers
Addison Lee currently has 60 full time home based employees and this figure is growing at, on average, 5 per month. This represents a significant reduction in vehicle emissions and office waste.
Certification and Initiatives
Addison Lee is acutely aware of its environmental responsibilities. In 2002, we recruited a full time Environmental Awareness Manager and subsequently we have implemented multiple policies to ensure that we continually monitor and improve our commitment to reducing harmful impact on our planet. Our CSR & Environmental Policy states that we influence the suppliers of services and resources to adopt best environmental practices as part of our vision of a cleaner London.
We have recently been certified ISO 14001 (which recognises our commitment to integrating high standards of environmental responsibility into all of our operations) and all of our employees are involved in an environmental awareness programme.
Energy Saving Trust
Addison Lee is currently working with the EST; together we are compiling a green handbook, containing facts and statistics about environmental issues and climate change. This will be available free of charge to all of our staff, clients and suppliers.
Addison Lee is nearing completion of a green fleet review which is being conducted, as part of our carbon reduction program, by the Energy Saving Trust. We are eager to review the findings and publish the results and the actions we are taking in order to further reduce our overall environmental impact. www.energysavingtrust.org.uk
London Green 500
Addison Lee is a member and active participant of the London Green 500. The primary focus of this organisation is to work alongside the 500 largest business concerns in the capital, with the greatest potential for carbon reduction. www.green500.co.uk
May Day network
Addison Lee is a member and active participant of the May Day Network, the UK’s largest group of businesses and organisations, committed to collectively tackling climate change by mobilising their companies, employees, suppliers and customers. By sharing best practice, these businesses promise to play a powerful role in reducing the UK’s carbon emissions. www.maydaynetwork.com
London Climate Change Agency
Addison Lee works closely with the London Climate Change Agency. The agency was established as the primary delivery vehicle for reducing London’s carbon dioxide emissions. www.lcca.co.uk
Corporate Social Responsibility
PURE & Solar for Schools
This year, Addison Lee has invested heavily in our internal energy reduction systems as an element of our Environmental Management System. We have funded a 4KW Solar Photo Voltaic System for Netley School, our local primary school, and we are beginning the installation in December. This will serve as a way of reducing the CO2 output from the school and, more importantly, will prove to be invaluable for the future by educating children from the local community about sustainable energy and other current and emerging environmental technologies.
Local school and nursery information and technology project
Addison Lee donates all superfluous computer equipment to local schools and nurseries. We also work with local schools, in conjunction with a local children’s charity, to provide fun, educational lessons and workshops relating to environmental issues.
Samuel Lithgow Youth Centre; media and music project
Addison Lee built a computer, media and music facility for the members of this not-for-profit local charity.
Jobs for the capital
In conjunction with Jobcentre Plus, Go skills, LSC and the LDA, Addison Lee is currently beginning a pilot employment project to improve private hire industry recruitment. The pilot also provides opportunities to retrain for the long-term unemployed or for people returning to work.
Computer Aid
Addison Lee is a corporate partner of Computer Aid, an organisation which provides high quality, professionally refurbished computers for reuse in education, health and not-for-profit organisations in developing countries. www.computeraid.org/
