Introduction

Countryside Books is an independent, family-run, publisher of local interest books, spanning subjects as diverse as dog walks, pub walks, British architectural styles, Second World War aviation and lost railways.

Countryside Books supports the global shift towards a low-carbon economy. Responsible sourcing and recycling of key raw materials, improving energy efficiency, product innovation and emissions offsetting are the key areas of focus in our decarbonisation efforts.

Scope

This policy relates to how the products, services and operations within our company and across our supply chain will be continually reviewed and improved, so that we can integrate environmental and social considerations into our everyday practices and make a positive contribution to society.

Purpose

We acknowledge that our company has potential impacts on people and the environment through our operations and supply chains. Through this policy we:

• Commit to comply with applicable law in all our operations.
• Commit to protect human rights. We are a committed equal opportunity employer and will abide by all fair labour practices. We’ll ensure that our activities do not directly or indirectly violate human rights in our own or other country.
• Commit to minimise our impact on our environment and maximise the effective use of resources.
• Commit to foster responsible environmental behaviour amongst staff at all levels.
• Commit to minimise risks and impacts through processes and systems to implement, measure and monitor environmental and social performance.
• Commit to increase communication and awareness of our efforts.

Principles

People

We will:

• comply with legislation such as the Modern Slavery Act 2018 and Bribery Act 2010.
• provide a safe and healthy workplace.
• support diversity and inclusion.
• support the surrounding community by looking to employ local people where possible.
• create useful opportunities for development of skilled local workers.
• look to provide sponsorship or monetary donations to local charities, sports clubs, societies, youth groups, community centres, or other.

Environmental

We will:

• comply with all laws governing the environment.
• strive to better understand both the direct and indirect impact that our practices may have on the environment.
• minimise or offset our impact on the environment.
• work towards the conservation of energy, water and resources in all our operations.
• dispose of waste thoughtfully, and follow the waste hierarchy of ‘Avoid, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle’.
• lessen our environmental impact by purchasing environmentally-friendly products and services.
• use a printer carrying FSC certification. The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certifies forests to ensure their environments are responsibly managed and meet the highest environmental and social standards. According to the FSC: FSC certified forests must be managed to the highest environmental, social and economic standards. on raw materials used when producing our products.
• print books at a UK-based printer to reduce emissions when moving stock to our customers.
• take steps to continually improve environmental performance.
• protect and support biodiversity.
• conduct audits, evaluations, and self-assessments of the implementation of this policy.
• work with our entire supply chain in order to gain mutual benefits of incorporating environmentally sustainable goals into everyday business.
• be an environmentally responsible neighbour in our community.
• reuse and/or recycle all plastic and paper waste to prevent it being taken to landfill sites where it takes longer to break down and causes more emissions.
• promote environmental awareness throughout all operations of the company.
• foster a sustainably aware culture, where responsibility is assigned and understood.

Economic

We will:

• consider and support sustainability initiatives with a strong business case.
• integrate sustainability into our existing business models, accounting and reporting.
• add value to our products and services to support sustainability markets.
• reduce operating costs through improved resource management eg, water, waste, energy, carbon, employee engagement.
• source raw materials from environmentally responsible suppliers

Authorised by:           Alex Batho

Title:                           Partner

Date:                           15/03/2023