Volkswagen Group UK launches new environmental policy

Volkswagen Group UK Ltd has today launched its new Environmental Policy, providing a framework for all Group brands – Audi, SEAT, Škoda, Volkswagen and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles – to promote environmental responsibility.

To mark the launch, a number of new trees will be planted at the company’s UK head office in Milton Keynes. Group Managing Director, Robin Woolcock, and Head of Group Services, Allan Rushforth, will be joined by members of staff for the planting.

This ceremony, however, is not the start of environmental activity at Volkswagen: the company has already taken a number of steps to reduce its ‘environmental footprint’ including switching to a renewable energy to power its two sites in Milton Keynes; buying 100 per cent recycled paper for its head office; and encouraging staff to reduce and recycle waste.

The Volkswagen Group is committed to the principles of sustainable development and will strive to continuously improve environmental performance. In carrying out its business activities the company will encourage environmental best practice, compliance with environmental legislation and the prevention of pollution.

Externally, the Volkswagen Group is keen to exert its influence further by encouraging partners and suppliers to embrace the principles set out in the policy. Commitments within the new policy include:

Implementing an Environmental Management System (EMS) by December
The wise use of resources such as supplies and energy to minimise waste
Maximising reuse and recycling and seeking to increase purchase of recycled or renewable resources
Taking environmental considerations into account when purchasing goods and services
Enhancing internal and external communication about the environmental performance of the company’s products
Promoting ownership and control of environmental issues at all levels throughout the business.

These improvements are in line with the global principles set by the Group’s German parent company, Volkswagen AG, which sets high environmental standards at the vehicle manufacture and design stage. This year will also see the launch of a number of new cutting-edge products, including TSI and BlueMotion, which further reduce carbon dioxide emissions and fuel consumption.

In the UK, the Volkswagen Group has also joined the local Green Business Network (see gbn-mk.org for details), which enables companies to receive advice on resource efficiency and share environmental best practice with other like-minded companies.

For further information on global sustainability within the Volkswagen Group visit: volkswagen-sustainability.com.