Pearson VUE

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Estate Management Targets 2010/2011

To implement a sustainable procurement policy for estate management goods and services which reflects the statements contained in this policy and with a framework set around the Government documents “Sustainable Operations on Government Estates” and “Procuring the Future”.
To provide adequate training and resources to ensure that the process can work in the best interests of sustainability for the benefit of the estate and users.
To monitor the new procurement process to ensure it has the effect of improving the goods and services as required by this plan and to ensure best practice.
Discourage and reduce the use of solvents and similar hazardous substances, particularly in maintenance and cleaning.
Review any contracts which are due for renewal to take the opportunity to improve working practices and materials and goods which are supplied.
Specification of works to include the use of materials which are not harmful to the environment and for the re-use of materials where appropriate.

Natural Resources Target 2010/2011

To work in conjunction with our clients, contractors and suppliers to maximise the use of all available natural resources and be respectful of their value.
To accurately measure where possible the consumption of water at our sites and introduce measures to reduce the amount used without any risk to health.
Examine the possibility of working with landlords to introduce water saving devices in all flushing cisterns wherever possible.
To continue with the policies in place regarding the production and management of waste materials arising from our operation and to improve on the degree of recycling taking into account Pearson Group policies for controlling and dealing with waste.
To source timber, fabric and all furniture products from renewable sources and to dispose of redundant materials in accordance with the Environmental Management Plan.

Climate Change Targets 2010/2011

To recognise climate change and with the proposals from this action plan reduce the impact which our operations have on both fossil fuel consumption and carbon emissions.
To establish the levels of energy being consumed within our test centre network and benchmark the current usage together with identifying energy efficiency measures which can be put in place.
To increase the energy efficiency of the test centre network expressed in % saving per year.
To carry out a survey throughout the test centre network of the lighting installations and systems of control and identify any energy saving measures. To prepare a report culminating in identifying any savings that are possible.
To provide staff training in connection with the operation of the time controls and temperature controls to the air conditioning systems and heating systems on each site.
Investigate the introduction of lockable thermostats.
To install an active reporting system for energy waste and suggestions for improvements.
Energy and its control and usage are to be included in staff induction at all locations to raise awareness.
Specify in maintenance contracts and schedules that maintenance visits are to incorporate recommendations by the maintenance engineer for any energy efficient measures which could be carried out to prevent waste of energy and wherever possible these recommendations are to be implemented.
To examine how hot water is provided on each site and where possible ensure that the method employed is energy efficient.
To put in place a procurement procedure which reflects the statements made here and which will lead to a more sustainable estate management programme throughout the test centre network. This policy will include property, maintenance, construction, facilities management, IT equipment, furniture, stationery, energy and vehicles.
To consider, when the acquisition of new premises is necessary, premises which are newly constructed and have an energy performance certificate which has been issued based on the Building Research Establishment Energy Assessment Method.
To consider improvements to the fabric of any newly acquired buildings in the built environment, where an Energy Performance Certificate gives a rating less than C, in accordance with Building Regulation Approved Document L2(b).
To accurately monitor the type and the amount of refrigerant gas which is discharged into the atmosphere during the installation and maintenance works on air conditioning equipment.
To employ only fully trained and qualified gas handlers in maintenance operations concerning air conditioning equipment where gas is to be worked on.
To replace any non serviceable heating, ventilation and air conditioning plant with the most energy efficient equipment available.
To ensure that all operating air conditioning / comfort cooling systems contain gas that complies with the F Gas and Ozone Regulations.
To review the existing system for packaging and postage and identify where any improvements can be made to the volume of waste generated by the operation including by external contractors.
To consult with contracted courier service providers to ascertain how energy efficient their operations are to identify any scope for agreeing improvements.
To review the environmental performance of the mobile test vehicles and where possible manage and improve the environmental impact the vehicles have.
To conduct a survey of all test centre premises with heating systems controlled by the landlord. There is the potential that the landlord’s system will be heating the space and at the same time the staff could be trying to reduce the temperature with the air conditioning system.

Fair Community Targets 2010/2011

To continue to invest in good facilities for employees, candidates and visitors to our premises.
To continue to promote values around “expected behaviour in the workplace” to provide a decent environment for working and conducting tests to continuously improve the experiences of our staff, candidates and visitors to our premises.
To continue to maintain the facilities in good condition and give proper training to all staff to ensure they have the best tools to carry out testing and ensure our candidates have the best possible experience when they take their examinations.
To continue to operate the test centre network in a professional manner with no discrimination, good security and a fair approach to all people who we come in to contact with.
To continue to show evidence of progress in the retention of people at all levels.