Local company gets the thumbs up for environmental management

Sunhill's Agricultural Supply Company (ASC) has achieved international recognition for its environmental performance.

Following an environmental review and audit by the International Standards Organisation (ISO), the mushroom compost producer is now certified as meeting the requirements of ISO 14001: 2004 – the rigorous standard that specifies a framework for an environmental management system.

Covering everything from management of environmental risk and regulatory compliance through to waste, recycling and energy savings, the standard ensures the company meets environmental laws and regulations and oversees the company's action plan for future operation.

“From cutting the amount of waste sent to landfill by half through to installing energy saving lighting to reduce electricity consumption, we're committed to continuously improving our environmental performance,” explains Dan Howell, environmental manager.  “Everybody in the company has played a huge part in making this happen – recycling cardboard and plastic and making small changes in day-to-day routines such as switching off non-essential electrical equipment.

“And it doesn't just stop here.  Our future plans include new thermostats and timers to further reduce heating and electricity usage.”

In 2009 ASC plans to modernise its current facilities, with the aim of further improving the quality of its compost.  Out to create 15 new jobs and invest £4 million into the local community, the company will put forward a planning application to Cotswold District Council for 16 state-of-the-art, computer-controlled, aerated tunnels and an aerated pad which allows oxygen to flow through material during the composting process – reducing the need for materials to be turned by tractors.

Designed to improve the quality of compost, the new facilities will not increase the production capacity of the plant and will bring added benefits of reduced noise, odours and on-site traffic.

ENDS

Issued on behalf of Agricultural Supply Company by Carole Pendle PR. For further press information contact Carole Pendle on 01453 842792 (mobile: 07768462601) or Seph Kenton on 0117 9551104 (mobile: 07977904244).