We believe that businesses have a wider responsibility to improving their local communities, as well as that of society in general.
To this end, London SME Centre endeavours to work pro-actively with voluntary and community groups in the area, and in supporting the development of social economic enterprises taht are attempting ot address the needs of their communities.
Our contributions include free work on:
- capacity building with community activists on two NDC projects
- fundraising for a charity aimed at improving the diagnosis of ill children
- bid witing for a BME charity
- advising and assisting in setting up a social enterprise
London SME Centre is committed to environmental sustainability so as to reduce our impact on society. This, for example, takes in our building usage, energy utilisation , materials usage, usage of public transport by staff and people we work with. We have achieved Green Mark Level 1 acreditation.
We adhere to the University's Equal Opportunities and Disability Access Policies, ensuring that people we work with are not disadvantaged due to gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religious adherence or disability.
LONDON SME CENTRE : ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY STATEMENT
London SME Centre is committed to environmental sustainability so as to reduce our impact on society. We have identified our environmental impacts and created solutions to reduce these significantly.
Legal Compliance
- London SME Centre strives to comply with all relevant environmental legislation and regulations that affect the organisation.
Waste Solutions
- Purchase recycled paper and recycle waste paper to create a 'closed loop' solution.
- Reduce paper consumption by printing double-sided and re-use paper printed on one side for draft printing (unless this risks confidentiality).
- Re-use incoming packaging materials such as boxes and envelopes.
- Use glass and mugs for refreshment purposes as opposed to disposable alternatives.
- Segregate and recycle glass bottles, aluminium cans and plastic.
Energy Solutions
- Reduce energy use by practising simple energy efficient measures such as utilising energy management software on IT equipment and turning off lights when not in use.
Transport Solutions
- Encourage employees and associate trainers/consultants to use public transport to and from work and to client businesses.
- Encourage clients to use public transport by choosing training / meeting locations were there is easy, safe public transport and where cycles can be parked securely.
Purchasing and Procurement Solutions
- Consider the environmental credential and life cycle of all products and source suppliers demonstrating sound environmental practices
- Request bicycle couriers as a preference for delivery to organisations in London unless this is not practical.
- Lobby the London Metropolitan University to continually improve its own environmental performance.