Environmental Policies

Barrett Electrical Environment.

We recognise that our construction activities may have a significant impact on the environment and that practical concern for the environment is an integral and fundamental part of our business and that of our clients.

We are committed to promoting continual improvement of our environmental performance and to the prevention of pollution through the design and construction of our projects.  We aim to operate our business in an environmentally sustainable manner.  We endeavour to achieve this through the development and implementation of an environmental management system.

The Company will aim to ensure that, where practicable, materials purchased will have a recycled content and have a minimal negative impact on the environment.  We will endeavour to influence our major suppliers to minimise the negative impact of their operations on the environment.

We seek to comply with pertinent environmental legislation and regulations concerning our activities whilst delivering quality projects efficiently, cost effectively and with minimum disruption to the environment.  Best Available Techniques (BAT) will be employed where construction works can affect the environment.  These decisions are based on professional advice and close liaison with relevant authorities and agencies to minimise adverse environmental impact.

This policy will be communicated to all employees, supply chain, and made available to the public.

Waste Minimisation Policy

Barrett Contracts are commited to good environmental practice and to sustainable waste management.

Our waste minimisation goals are to:-

  • Prevent and/or reduce waste.
  • Reuse materials.
  • Recycle waste.
  • Send minimum amounts of waste to landfill.

To achieve our goals for waste minimisation, the Company will:-

  • Utilise Site Waste Management Plans (SWMP’s) on all construction sites to ensure good waste management practices and minimise harm to the environment.
  • Cultivate a work ethic with a high level of awareness of waste minimisation and recycling through providing advice and guidance to employees and supply chain.
  • Encourage the purchase of recycled materials and those that are suitable for disposal by recycling, and conserve natural resources.
  • Encourage designers employed by the Company to design out waste where possible.
  • Favour suppliers who remove packaging as part of their supply contract and obligations, and who operate according to best available environmental techniques.
  • Keep abreast of current technologies available for recycling waste, and investing in equipment where economic to do so.
  • Minimise waste by encouraging the exchange and reuse of equipment and materials amongst departments.
  • Minimise waste through collaboration with the National Industrial Symbiosis Programme (NISP) for exchange of waste externally.
  • Commit to the ‘Halving Waste to Landfill by the year 2012’ initiative as developed by the Waste & Resources Action Programme (WRAP).
  • Develop a range of Companywide recycling schemes.
  • Promote economy in the use of paper and the selection of print formats and document styles.

The Company will comply with its Duty of Care with regard to waste legislation ensuring waste is held securely and transferred to those authorised to take it, ensuring the use of Waste Transfer Notes and Hazardous (Special) Waste Consignment Notes to demonstrate safe disposal of all waste in a way that will protect the environment and public health. We will endeavour to manage waste in a cost effective manner that maximises environmental benefits and minimises long term financial liability.

Green Transport Policy

Good environmental management is central to the activities of Barrett Contracts Limited. The Company actively seeks to limit the environmental impact of its business activities and to enhance environmental quality in areas where it has influence.

Barrett Contracts Limited utilises transport in many of its activities, particularly in the operation and maintenance of our sites throughout Ireland. We recognise that our own use of transport and that of our service providers and commuting staff may impact on the environment through natural resource use, emissions to air, noise and contributions to local congestion. We are committed to minimising these impacts wherever possible. We will aim to utilise transport in a sustainable manner through the following objectives:-

  • The regular maintenance of our fleet vehicles, equipment and plant to ensure their efficiency to help minimise air emissions.
  • Taking account of environmental considerations when purchasing new company vehicles, equipment and plant.
  • Keeping abreast of new developments in fuel and vehicle technology and their applicability to our business.
  • Making information on environmental performance of vehicles available to employees.
  • Encouraging car sharing and use of work vans amongst employees and supply chain to help alleviate congestion and reduce emissions.
  • Looking into alternative working arrangements that reduce the need for commuting and investigating methods to reduce the impact of staff commuting; i.e. telephoneconferencing, video-conferencing and teleworking.

We will promote awareness of Green Transport Policy amongst our employees, and encourage good practice, seeking participation in green transport initiatives. We will develop green transport initiatives, and advice and guidance documents to help us meet the abovementioned objectives, and review and report progress annually.