Case study: PCS reps at HM Revenue & Customs Lillyhall —environmental sustainability plan

At HM Revenue & Customs Lillyhall, an environmental sustainability plan has been agreed between senior management and PCS union reps in an attempt to meet the Greening Government Commitments that the government has set for its own estate.

The joint management/union discussions set up targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 25%, reduce the amount of waste generated by 25% and reduce water consumption all by reference to a 2009/2010 baseline. The Lillyhall plan for 2011/2012 focuses on each commitment in turn and sets out a series of objectives, actions, and targets aimed at achieving the reductions required. Progress on the plan is reviewed monthly at senior management meetings.

In an attempt to reduce the environmental impact of travelling to work the reps have been liaising with the car park committee to promote car-sharing and have negotiated a Cycle to Work scheme. In September 2011, all staff were invited to take part in World Car Free Day with those actively participating entered into a prize draw. Due to the enthusiasm of the reps and the support of management, the day was a huge success with over 50 members of staff using a different mode of transport for the day.

Management and reps agreed paper usage would be a good place to start reducing waste. Workers were encouraged to set printers to print double sided and scrap paper boxes are now in place next to each printer. This scrap paper is turned in to note pads further reducing the amount of paper used on site. The scrap pads were launched through a notebook amnesty during Climate Week.

The next big event planned is Green Office Week. As a part of this, the team at Lillyhall has invited the local water company, United Utilities, along to advise on how to reduce water consumption.