Pearson VUE is acutely aware of environmental and sustainability commitments for this year and the years going forward. This awareness has been generated by many factors including working together with our clients and the Carbon Trust on matters relating to the environment and sustainability, as well as understanding our essential responsibilities to reach and exceed Environmental targets. We have a dedicated Environment Forum set up to look at ways of making improvements in these areas and providing the impetus to get things done. There is a mechanism in place to carry forward any action points from this Forum and personnel have been nominated to take ownership of them with dates for completion.

We are optimistic about the prospects of bringing about changes and improvements in the way Pearson VUE manage this important aspect of its operation. This year, we have decided to retain our commitment to be climate neutral. We have worked on introducing energy efficiency design and upgrades together with looking at renewable energy options. Internal intranet sites are being established in 2011 such as Planet Pearson and NEO which enable staff cross the business in all locations to share ideas, information, ideas, competitions and signposts to local green groups enabling regular cross-group communications.

To cut the CO2 we release from our buildings and business travel we have introduced energy-efficient design across our buildings, further invested in alternatives to business travel such as video conferencing, as well as looked at renewable energy where we can. We describe our initiatives and plans throughout this Environmental Review but together, our initiatives helping us to reduce our climate footprint since 2009 we are continuing to monitor our carbon usage.

Projects are continually being identified and investigated to assist Pearson VUE with its environmental aims, these include:

• Reviewing computer equipment to ensure the most energy efficient equipment is purchased and installed.
• Installing light sensors in meeting rooms and offices.
• Purchasing green energy where possible for the Head Office and Pearson Professional Centres.

This plan sets out the commitment made by Pearson VUE to carry on its business activities embracing the principles of sustainable development and to achieve the targets it has set.    

Pearson has for some time recognised the benefits in operating its business in a way that promotes sustainability and is fully committed to delivering its services in a way that upholds this principle.