RS Components (RS) has received the Carbon & Energy Management and Reduction Scheme (CEMARS) Gold Certification Award for successfully achieving a reduction in its carbon emissions each year for the past six years. RS was recognised at a ceremony held at the New Zealand Embassy in London last night
Since enrolling in the CEMARS programme in 2011, RS has retained its certification every year by achieving its target of making at least a 2.5 per cent reduction in the principal sources of emissions relative to turnover. During this time RS UK has reduced its CO2 emissions by 23.8 per cent. The distributor is the only company within its industry sector to receive the certification, which is independently verified.
RS has decreased its carbon emissions by reducing the energy usage associated with lighting, heating and air-conditioning at its sites across the UK. The company has implemented an energy-saving lighting programme, installed automated meter readers for gas and electricity, resulting in a 30 per cent reduction in energy usage since 2012, and added variable speed drives to its air handling units. It has also installed electric car charge points at its Corby site to cater for the hybrid cars in its company car fleet.
RS is now focussed on the CO2 emissions associated with the movement of products between its sites and the distribution of goods to customers by its air, sea and road transport providers. The aim is to reduce the carbon footprint of its entire distribution supply chain.
Ian Bell, VP Group Environmental, Health and Safety and Facilities at RS, said: “This is a tremendous accolade that acknowledges our achievements in managing and reducing our greenhouse gas emissions. CEMARS is a highly reputable standard that is recognised worldwide and we are now seen as a trendsetter in terms of our environmental programme and policies. We will continue to do our utmost to minimise the impact we have on the environment.”
CEMARS is one of the world’s most rigorous carbon reduction programmes. It requires participants to measure and reduce their organisational carbon footprint in accordance with international best practice. The scheme is accredited under ISO 14065, the international standard for bodies offering certification of corporate carbon footprints, and by the CDP (Carbon Disclosure Project). It is also licensed by the UK Environment Agency under the Climate Change Act 2008.
