Argos corporate news
Basildon distribution centre wins ISO14001 award
04 April 2007
The Argos distribution centre at Basildon has been awarded ISO14001 Registration for its Environmental Management System (EMS). ISO14001 is an internationally respected standard for environmental management.
The British Standards Institution (BSI) audited the Basildon centre before the EMS award could be presented. The audit needed to show that a management system was in place to control waste, ensuring that as much as possible is recycled and annually sets new measurable targets as part of a ‘continuous improvement’ cycle.
For the regional distribution centre located in Pipps Hill Industrial Estate, it is the culmination of several months of changes and improvements in processing methods of waste produced by the centre to achieve ISO14001 registration.
The site had a number of environmental practices in place but these were by and large 'standard' arrangements. Implementation of the ISO14001 EMS from March 2006 was a result of the depot's commitment, in line with Argos target of zero landfill by 2010, to minimise waste to landfill as much as possible.
Alison Stewart, general manager at Basildon, said: “The site is immensely proud of this achievement. It follows 12 months of hard work by a dedicated team from all parts of the operation. With 16 fantastic volunteers from all departments, a full management and reporting system was introduced which captured the imagination and buy-in of all 600 personnel on site. Team member involvement was crucial to Basildon's successful accreditation of this award.
“The site now recycles over 93% of all waste generated, and the final 7% remains a key target over the next two years. Such has been the success and 'buzz' generated that we are now working closely to adopt similar practices with our stores and other local businesses. This follows hot on the heels of winning the Basildon and District Environmental Awareness Award for 2006."
The Basildon site joins the Corby and Bridgwater distribution centres which were also awarded registration during the last six months. The Argos distribution site in Heywood is also working toward registration later this year.
