Miscellaneous Case Studies
3M UK PLC, Bedford, have incorporated biodiversity into their
overall environmental programme on the site and is a key part of
their ISO 14001 management process. The site occupies approximately
24 acres of which only half or so is used for operational purposes.
As part of the Environmental team’s effort to improve biodiversity,
some 1600 trees have been planted in 2 hectares of land with some
adjacent ground developed as habitat for indigenous species in the
locality.
In addition to tree planting, the Bedford site has actively worked
with BTCV since 2004 in preparing a 5 year maintenance plan for
the site to ensure appropriate standards for encouraging local wildlife
through activities such as hedge laying, grass cutting, path maintenance
and creation of habitat piles.
3M Bedford has also been working with local wildlife trusts such
as the forestry commission which has assisted in the planning and
planting of trees and some 19 different species. The Environmental
team has also formed close links with LBAP and supported local projects
such as the Marston Vale Forest in the Community and the Wood Green
Animal Centre. The site is also represented on the local Green Business
Network (GBN), a group of local companies, local authority representatives
and specialists, who have a mandate to promote environmental awareness
and action within the community.
Tetra Pak, one of the world’s largest suppliers of packaging
systems, aspires to being at the forefront of proactive environmental
and corporate citizenship. Through a ‘One Step Ahead’
program the company is introducing sustainability thinking to all
aspects of the supply chain, from raw materials to the end-user
and recycling.
At the Wrexham manufacturing site in Wales the company
is maximising the ecological value of the site grounds, working
closely with Wrexham County Borough Council and Groundwork Wrexham
and Flintshire to assess the biodiversity on-site and develop a
three-year biodiversity program. A wide range of species have been
identified and a program devised based on maintaining and improving
existing habitats.
The main actions have included constructing a network of paths,
increasing the area of wetland and small-scale native tree planting
supported by the Forestry Commission and providing educational facilities.
Through this project Tetra Pak hope not only to generate employee
and stakeholder involvement, increased awareness and improved on-site
environmental performance, but also to create a valuable resource
for local schools and community groups.
Photo Credit: Jo Zaremba/ Earthwatch Institute
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