Sustainability

The Boot Repair Company is proud to have a robust Sustainability Policy. Our careful restoration work ensures items have longevity and avoid landfill. Our partnership with Vivobarefoot, Revivo, is a programme that turns worn-out footwear into revived product, reconditioning them for another life on a new pair of feet. Visit the Revivo website to learn more about how we repair footwear and purchase a new pair of refurbished Vivos.

1.0 INTRODUCTION

The Boot Repair Company aims to operate to the highest standards of environmental management to legal and industry standards; our focus is on generating new service to bring footwear back to life whilst caring for our planet.

As an ISO 9001 and 14001 certified business, the equal consideration of environmental and social impacts with economic interests is a legal requirement of the way we run our business.

 

2.0 PURPOSE

This environmental policy sets out the Boot Repair Company position on environmental topics, to inform operational processes and guide decision making in our wider community.

 

3.0 SCOPE

This Policy applies to all employees and third parties associated with The Boot Repair Company.

Although many aspects of the Policy are not legally, we encourage adoption of them and continuous improvement.

In the context of this Policy, third-party refers to any individual or organisation that The Boot Repair Company meets and works with including but not limited to suppliers, contractors, agents and customers.

 

4.0 PRINCIPLES

4.1 GENERAL

• Respect our natural environment
• Embed new employees into company strategy and culture
• Comply with all relevant environmental laws and permits
• Engage employees and businesses you work with adopt these principles
• Provide training on improving environmental impacts
• Monitor compliance and make improvements

4.2 PRODUCTS & MATERIALS

• Reduce the use of resources and materials and components
• Ensure all products and services are durable, repairable and have an end-of-life solution
• Recycled, upcycled or salvaged materials and components wherever possible for repairs and services.

4.3 VALUE CHAIN

• Consolidate supply chains as much as practically possible
• Source locally (within 150 miles)
• Source from suppliers that meet environmental certifications
• Give preference to independent, women or minority owned suppliers
• Establish contacts with companies offering best-practice options Establish long-term partnerships wherever possible
• Share data on impacts often and transparently
• Offer incentives for continuous improvement

4.4 CONSUMABLES

Reduce the need for ongoing consumables (business cards, printer paper, stationary, food and beverage containers, etc):

• Reusable (preferred) or recyclable packaging
• Return un-avoidable single-use plastics to suppliers.
• Non-toxic, biodegradable cleaning products.

4.5 EQUIPMENT

4.6 TRAVEL

• Conduct virtual meetings, wherever possible
• In-person meetings and workspaces with public transport and carpool access Offer financial incentives for use of low-impact transport on business trips
• Select rail travel over air travel
• Time allowance for longer transits
• Electric Vehicle taxi account and use
• Bicycle work scheme available for all employees
• Environmentally certified accommodation, wherever possible
• Encourage Airbnb and wild-camping options
• Reuse towels and avoid single-use plastics in hotel rooms and entertainment spaces
• Carry reusable packaging and refuse single-use plastics in off-site working spaces
• Give preference to locally sourced, seasonal produce when buying food or eating out.

4.7 SITE/OFFICE/FACILITY/BUILDING

On-site landscaping and interior design to incorporate the functionality of native ecosystems and promote diversity

Any future site (office/facility/building) selection to take into consideration:

4.8 HEALTH & WELLNESS

Maximise comfort and well-being of employees in workspaces through:

• Air quality monitoring and ventilation
• Access to natural light
• Temperate regulation
• Effective acoustics management
• Outdoor access

4.9 ENERGY AND EMISSIONS

• Aim for net zero in terms of energy generation and use
• Include on-site renewable energy generation and/or 100% renewable energy contracts Switch off lights, technology (e.g. monitors), chargers, heaters etc when not in use
• Identify, reduce and eliminate greenhouse gas and other toxic air emissions
• For any owned and operated facilities:

4.10 WATER USAGE

Reduce single-use disposable products through use of refillable water bottles For any owned and operated facilities:  

• Take into consideration all regional water-related issues including scarcity, drought, natural weather patterns and effects of climate change on water supply
• Consider rainwater capture, closed-loop water systems and water recycling options
• Treat and filter water discharge and grey water for re-use, whenever possible
• Install water-efficient fixtures including but not limited to low-flow faucets and showerheads, as well as dual-flush or low-flush toilets
• Install water meters and monitoring systems for both indoor and outdoor water systems

4.11 WASTE MINIMISATION

• Aim for zero waste to landfill wherever possible.
• Do not dispose of solid waste in a manner which violates laws e.g. onsite burning
• Provide recycling systems for all consumables
• Compost food products
• Limit printing in general and use both sides of paper
• Provide reusable coffee cup and utensils to employees and incentives for use
• Proactively work with suppliers and contractors to minimise waste, water and energy use

4.12 CHEMICALS

• Reduce the use of chemicals, use only when absolutely necessary
• Use biodegradable chemicals that are safe for human health and ecosystems
• Maintain a complete and up-to-date list of all chemicals used onsite
• Safe storage and handling of chemicals and any hazardous waste including proper containers, bunding, ventilated and enclosed draining in storage spaces, labelling, management systems, training and the use and proper display of materials safety data sheets (MSDS)
• All documents regarding regulations and procedures for onsite/offsite disposal, transportation, mixing, available on hand

4.13 MAJOR INCIDENT MANAGEMENT

• Major incident management system which includes emergency plan compliant to law
• Train employees sufficiently on emergency procedures and functioning equipment available

4.14 TRANSPARENCY

• Record and disclose business and value chain operations on company website
• Record and disclose relevant information to consumers on products and service.

4.15 CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT

Show continuous improvement on environmental performance in planning and reporting.

5.0 RESPONSIBILITIES

The Directors are responsible for monitoring the effectiveness of this Policy and reviewing the implementation of it on a regular basis.

The Board of The Boot Repair Company is responsible for putting in place any operational processes and projects required to improve implementation of the environmental principles in this Policy.

All The Boot Repair Company directors, employees, workers and contractors are expected to do business in accordance with this Policy and with The Boot Repair Company general environmental and ethical values.

Directors are responsible for ensuring all team members have understood and agreed to this Policy.

Managers are expected at all levels to lead by example. Members of staff are encouraged to support stakeholders around them in embracing and adopting these principles.

Third parties should be managed to the requirements in this Policy by relevant department leads and performance against this Policy included in the evaluation of contractual relationships.

6.0 TRAINING & COMMUNICATION

The Boot Repairs Company will provide regular environmental training to all management and as part of the induction process for new employees.

All employees will have access to this Policy via a shared online portal. Directors must ensure all team members have received this Policy and attended training.

The Boot Repair Company will communicate this Policy and regeneration approach to all third parties at the outset of any business relationship, and as appropriate thereafter.

7.0 MONITORING & REVIEW

The Boot Repair Company will evaluate the effectiveness of this Policy and the implementation of it on an ongoing basis, to ensure that it remains effective and reflects best practice.

We will regularly assess internal processes and encourage staff to feedback improvements.

8.0 REPORTING

The Boot Repair Company will include information on compliance to and continuous improvement of this Policy in interim and annual business reports to ensure transparency of operational practices.