Environment Award

Terrapins impressive environmental record has won the off-site construction company a Business Excellence Award from the Milton Keynes and North Bucks Chamber of Commerce. The Environment Award recognises achievements in recycling, waste reduction and related green initiatives. Terrapin implemented an Environmental Management System during 2007, which includes a Waste Management Policy, to minimise the environmental impact of its Buckinghamshire factory and offices and site operations. In addition, the Terrapin Green Team, formed in November 2006, directs environmental improvements throughout the entire business.

Entries for the Chambers Environment Award had to include strategies for reducing waste, the types and quantities of materials being recycled and how companies planned to reduce their carbon footprint still further. Our future depends on businesses and individuals working together for a cleaner, greener environment. Terrapin is committed to the principles of sustainability in its products and practices and winning this Award acknowledges the success of our efforts to date and our progress towards full ISO 14001-2004 Certification. This internationally recognised standard is granted to companies that document and regularly review their systems and products with the aim of reducing waste and pollution. We believe everyone in the organisation is responsible for the potentially harmful effects of the tasks they perform. With the introduction of a documented system we will be able to satisfy the high standards of the ISO and assure our customers that were complying with environmental legislation.

The construction industry is under increasing pressure to improve sustainability and efficiency. Terrapin has taken significant steps to implement green practices, including responsible sourcing of raw materials, increased recycling and providing employee training in environmental and waste awareness. Historically, Terrapin has recycled all its timber and metal waste and has now increased its total recycling capacity for gypsum based products, such as plasterboard, from 15% to 60% of total waste produced. Terrapin is also a member of the Bedfordshire Waste Exchange (Eastex), a free online information service for passing on or sourcing surplus materials to help reduce the amount of waste entering landfill sites. Eastex is based on the principle that one companys waste is anothers raw material. In addition to the environmental benefits its also delivering real financial savings for Terrapin. Chief Executive of Milton Keynes and North Bucks Chamber of Commerce, Rita Spada, commented, This is just the type of positive, forward-thinking idea generation that is abundant throughout the Milton Keynes area. Terrapin have shown how, with some substantial commitment on their side, companies can work towards providing a cleaner environment and, with the many green spaces in Milton Keynes, that ethic is more important than ever.

Terrapin may have scooped an award for being green, but the company is not resting on its laurels. Working strategically and with like minded partners, Terrapin will continue to make environmental improvements from the board room through to the shop floor to ensure that our business is fit for the future.