Judges praised the time and effort DST Output put into making every member of staff fully aware of their personal and the business’s corporate responsibilities. All staff understand the business’s drive for environmental excellence and where they fitted into its continuing quest. The firm’s UK operation is a leader within the global group for all things environmental, so much so that the American arm of the business is looking to the Bristol site to see how it’s done. Examples of the firm’s environmental initiatives include an environmental day, which  proved so successful that plans are being put together to extend this to a family day for the environment and also to get the neighbours involved. DST Output is a digital printer, which eliminates much of the chemistry involved in pre-press processes and much of the makeready waste of conventional printing. The inks used by its digital presses are water-based, which means the firm uses no solvents or VOCs in the pressroom.

Highly Commended:
Stralfors
Stralfors’ commitment to the environment includes continued efforts to reduce energy consumption, and thereby its carbon footprint. It installed a voltage perfector that has reduced the usage of electricity across the site. In addition, the business has undertaken a programme of replacing the lighting across the site and fitting movement detectors to its warehouse lighting, which turn off the lights after a set time. The firm has ISO 14001, FSC and PEFC accreditation and has worked with the local community to reduce its impact through a number of initiatives.

Finalists:
DST Output
Horner Brothers Print Group
Howitt
Stralfors

Sponsored by Wastecare.co.uk



For the full run-down of the Excellence Awards 2009 winners, click here.