Sustainability & Carbon Footprint Policy

Introduction

About this statement
1.1 This statement sets out our commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). We take CSR seriously and we recognise that our business operations and processes may have an impact on social, economic and environmental issues outside of the workplace. We believe that the way we run our business can and should make a positive difference in these areas and one way we can achieve this is by operating a policy that focuses on sustainability and reducing our carbon footprint.

1.2 Through this policy we will promote responsibility for the environment within VoicePower and communicate and implement this policy at all levels.

1.3 This policy covers all employees, officers, consultants, contractors, volunteers, interns, casual workers and agency workers.

1.4 This policy does not form part of any employee’s contract of employment and we may amend it at any time.

1.5 This statement covers the activities of VoicePower.

(a) VoicePower is a small organisation of 7 colleagues.
(b) The operations of VoicePower supplies speech recognition solutions and dictation products to companies using leading edge technology.
(c) We work with a small group of suppliers who supply hardware and software for operational purposes.

2. Commuting
2.1 We recognise that emissions from commuting to and from offices has an impact on carbon footprint. Since February 2021 we no longer have operational offices and instead all work from home.
2.2 While we understand that it can be important to meet clients in person to build rapport, especially at the outset of a business relationship, we encourage all employees to consider meeting clients or other business contacts (new or existing) virtually as the default.
2.3 We commute only where there are client requirements. Where it is necessary to travel for business purposes, we consider both the cost and the carbon footprint of the journey and the chosen the mode of transport (which may not be the easiest or most convenient option available).

3. Energy Saving

3.1 We aim to be an environmentally friendly organisation and it is our intention to promote a policy that is focused on being green aware and saving energy. A culture will be fostered within VoicePower that ensures all employees understand they can make a significant contribution to the Organisation being an environmentally friendly and green aware organisation.

3.2 Our policy is to comply or exceed the requirements of environmental legislation and regulation.

3.3 We will review and explore measures for the reduction of volumes of all waste materials generated by the Organisation.

3.4 We will explore opportunities for recycling all possible waste materials. Our ultimate aim will be to recycle any waste material that can be recycled.

3.5 We will explore whether environmentally friendly products can be purchased when buying any equipment for use within VoicePower.

3.6 We will use technology to reduce the need to travel, and encourage staff to use public transport or electric vehicles, where travel is unavoidable.

4. Our Employees
4.1 We will keep all employees fully informed of our sustainability initiatives and we encourage employees to share ideas with us on how this could be developed or improved.
4.2 We will ensure that all employees have access to a copy of this policy and will regularly review the policy to ensure that we are a green aware and environmentally friendly organisation.

Board/Member approval
This statement was approved on 10/10/2024 by our Director, who review and update it annually.