In 2008, Trade Aid Importers conducted the following audits of its environmental processes:

• An environmental audit, conducted by independent consultants from SKM as part of the 2008 Social Accounts of TAI
• An environmental audit through the Target Sustainability Program offered by the Christchurch City Council

Following on from these audits the following action points have been identified: 

Targets for 2008/9
For results of previous targets please read the Trade Aid Environmental Audit 2008 above (part of the Trade Aid Importers Social Accounts 2008)

The targets for 2008/9 were set by the TAI Environment Committee. These were then discussed with TAI staff at a full staff meeting.

Actions to achieve these targets will be implemented throughout the relevant financial year.

The focus areas have come from those listed in The Policy 

• Energy use: Decrease electricity per FTE by 5%
• Paper use: Reduce usage by 5%
• Solid waste:  Net reduction of 10%
• Transportation: A reduction in the impact of TAI’s transportation on the environment with a focus on domestic travel in 2008/9.
• Fumigation: To be aware of the impact fumigation and chemicals have on the environment and mitigate/minimise/avoid these impacts.
• Purchasing: Purchase materials, energy and services considering alternatives as well as economic considerations.

Target Sustainability Action Points from 2008 Audit

The following action points were suggested by T.S. as a way forward and agreed to by the Environment Committee. A timeline and process for investigating and achieving the action points will be created and implemented throughout the relevant financial year.

• Removing rubbish bins from each office or workstation and replacing with bins which service several workstations or offices
• Implementing further methods to reduce the amount of paper used on site
• Improving the current organic waste collection system
• Reviewing the supply chain (suppliers of goods and services to the business) to identify opportunities to reduce the amount of unnecessary resources being brought into the organisation
• Implementing a fluorescent tube recycling system on site
• Installing time switches to control heating in the organisation
• Installing motion sensors to switch off lighting in areas where usage is lower i.e. kitchen, meeting room
• Installing lux sensors on light circuits closest to the windows (costing needed)
• Installing reminder notices to staff to switch off unnecessary electrical equipment
• Upgrading to LCD computer monitors
• Turning off all computers every night
• Converting existing bathroom water using fixtures to water efficient models
• Implementing a staff training regime which includes a module on resource efficiency