Company Social
Responsibility at
BWB Technologies
Introduction
At BWB Technologies, a British micro business with a global presence, we excel in flame photometry while championing Company Social Responsibility (CSR). Our innovative product updates enhance quality and energy efficiency, backed by ISO 9001 and ISO 50005 certifications. We are committed to sustainability, calculating our GHG emissions in line with the GHG Protocol, aiming for ISO 14001 accreditation, and sending zero waste to landfill.
United Nations 17 Goals
In 2005, World Leaders agreed to 17 global goals. Seven years on, we have made progress, but there is still work to be done, and the Goals are more important than ever. At BWB Technologies, we're making meeting as many of these sustainability development goals a key priority for us in our commitment to protect the environment.
We have adapted our processes and products to meet the following goals:
Our employees, supply chain partners, and customers are integral to our success. We provide robust development opportunities, support novice workers, and engage in sustainable procurement wherever possible. Our community involvement includes work experience programs, apprenticeships, and charitable contributions, aligning with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
BWB Technologies demonstrates that SMEs can significantly impact societal and environmental betterment, and we hope to support and inspire other businesses to go on their own CSR journey.
Workplace
Training and Development:
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BWB Technologies provides essential and developmental training tailored to employees' needs.
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A third-party training provider offers a library of over 750 courses for upskilling staff.
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In-house training, practical on-the-job training, and external training courses are available and encouraged.
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Apprenticeships have resulted in permanent job offers, and up-skilling has created promotion opportunities.
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Short-term work experience for local students is offered annually, with a new long-term opportunity for a T-level student in 2024.
Labour Practices:
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Adheres to Health & Safety and COSHH standards in accordance with ISO 9001.
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Offers flexible working opportunities and facilitates role changes to retain employees and ensure career progression.
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Commitment to ethical corporate behaviour is underpinned by an Ethical Policy and an Equal Opportunities and Diversity Policy in line with the Equality Act 2010.
Product and Supplier Standards:
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Aim to support local UK-based companies with a positive supply chain impact.
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Sustainable Procurement Policy assesses suppliers for responsible accreditations and ethical practices.
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The company is signed up to the UK Prompt Payment Code, targeting to pay suppliers within 14 days of invoice receipt.
Community
Local Business
Involvement:
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The Managing Director has been committed to a local business management committee since 2020.
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The company supports local suppliers and businesses, generating revenue within the local economy and employing local people.
Charity and Environmental Projects:
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Supports the charity Toilet Twinning, providing sanitation facilities in developing countries.
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Plants trees for every flame photometer sold and aims to plant 1000 trees per employee by 2025, with over 30,000 planted as of mid 2024.
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Sponsors a local beehive to support honey bee populations and local food production.
Environmental
Protection
Office and Warehouse Practices:
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Operates dual flush, water-efficient toilets with minimal annual water usage.
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Paperless office initiative reduces waste and costs.
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Only essential business travel is undertaken, with a Travel Policy to reduce emissions.
Sustainable Procurement and Waste Management:
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Aim to purchase goods and services from sustainable local organizations.
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Send zero waste to landfill, with a focus on recycling and incineration for energy production.
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Implemented a 'service centre' for repairing and reusing instruments.
Goal 7:
Affordable & Clean Energy
Ensuring we use energy suppliers that produce electricity from renewable sources and carbon neutral natural gas. In addition to LED lighting used throughout the manufacturing facility and office spaces.
Goal 12:
Responsible consumption and production
Working with waste management companies we recycle cardboard, paper, plastic and aluminium. Our outwards goods packaging is either produced from recycled content or is easily recycled.
Goal 8:
Decent work and economical growth
We believe in apprenticeships for the training and education of young people and support those where available within the business. We continue to support local youth organisations and further education courses through our voluntary positions in the local community.
Goal 11:
Sustainable cities and communities
We encourage our employees to use public or self propelled transport where safe to do so and provide secure housed facilities for the storage of pedal bikes and scooters during the working day.
Goal 13:
Climate Action
We've selected our courier and freight agents very carefully to ensure they have long term commitments to the protection of our planet. Our goods delivered through our selected courier are carbon neutral.
Goal 15:
Life on Land
We're committed to fighting deforestation by funding the planting of 1000 trees for every company employee by 2025. We're also proud to be the worlds first flame photometer manufacturer planting trees for every instrument sold.
BWB & Eden Reforestation Projects
We are proud Seed Level Partners with Eden Reforestation Projects, a non-profit whose mission is to provide fair wage employment to impoverished villagers as agents of global forest restoration.
They hire the poorest of the poor to grow, plant, and guard to maturity native species forest on a massive scale. Their “Employ to Plant” methodology results in a multiplication of positive socio-economic and environment measures.
Philanthropy
Charity Support:
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Regular staff involvement and donations towards charitable activities.
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Supports local RAF Air Cadet unit, CCF unit, local government events, and community fundraising.
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Encourages a culture of volunteering, with employees receiving two paid days of volunteering time off annually.
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Raised over £1,000 for Newbury Air Cadets through match fundraising.
Community Fund:
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Launching the BWB Community Fund in 2024-25, donating 0.5% of annual turnover to local charities and initiatives.
Annual Reports
At BWB Technologies, our commitment to sustainability is reflected in the transparency of our annual reporting. Each year, we publish a detailed report showcasing our progress, challenges, and achievements in reducing our environmental footprint and enhancing our social impact.
From energy consumption and waste reduction to community engagement and product innovation, our annual sustainability reports provide a comprehensive look at how we are continuously evolving to meet our sustainability goals. Explore our latest report to see how we’re driving meaningful change within our industry.
We recognise how important sustainability is for our planet's future, and for our customers. We hope that increased transparency will help our customers to feel confident about supporting an environmentally-conscious business, which is always striving for excellence.
We're really proud that we have won various awards in recognition of our efforts; click the link below to learn more.
Energy Consumption and
Carbon Footprint
Energy Management:
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Implemented an Energy Management System, self-certified against ISO 50005.
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Monitors energy consumption and tracks data weekly.
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Uses 100% renewable electricity and LED lighting.
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Improved insulation, heater upgrades, and communication about energy use have reduced gas consumption by half in winter 2022-23 compared to 2021-22.
Carbon Footprint Reporting:
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Publishes annual Carbon Footprint reports via the SME Climate Hub.
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Measures Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions in line with the Greenhouse Gas Protocol and engages with the supply chain.