Go Green - Case Study - Aztec Event Services, Merton

Aztec Is Awarded “Go Green” Status

Aztec Event Services has committed to “Go Green” with southlondon.biz the enterprise arm of Merton Chamber of Commerce.

After 15 years trading as one of the premiere audio visual and technical staging companies in the UK, Aztec went through a management buyout in 2006 by then MD, John Robson and Operations Manager, Steve Colesell. Being leaders in their field, it seemed natural that the company would be one of the leading lights in recognising and acting to reduce its impact on the environment. The sustainability policy was written the same year and senior management have supported a number of environmental initiatives since then, including:-

• The donation of felt, from stage sets, to local schools.
• Receiving faxes into the company electronically to reduce paper usage

In 2007 the Aztec relocated from its base in Waterloo to new purpose built office and warehouse space in South London. The benefits of relocation to a brand new facility afforded benefits from building laws, demanding that new property had to be at least partially self sufficient in power resources and as a result, the building is fitted with wind turbines to generate some of its own electricity. The move gave the company impetus to accelerate its policy of recycling and the following initiatives were implemented:-

• Containers for recycling cans, glass, paper, card, plastics and toner cartridges
• Environmentally sympathetic disposal of all electrical equipment
• Installation of a mains fed water cooler

“We have always recognised that tackling environmental issues has to be driven with commercial considerations in mind. Go Green shares this ethos and has helped us to take the steps towards becoming carbon neutral” said Commercial Director, Mark Parker

The initial investment was minimal but the cost savings have been easy to identify particularly since the relocation. The main factor in the success at the company has been the efforts put in by every member of staff, who see this as an extension of their role within the company and want to excel, like everything else they do.

2008 saw the realisation by the Directors that to go further would need professional help and the Greening Business Team at southlondon.biz were one of the organisations that they turned to for guidance. The priorities had changed slightly as they wanted to look at, what steps could be taken to make further savings, protect the environment and hopefully inspire other organisations. A draft action plan has been written up and agreed following two short visits from their Greening Business Officer, Bill Walter.

If you would like to contact Aztec Event Services to discuss how to “Go Green” or need advice on how to make the most of audio visual products at conferences, exhibitions and live events contact Mark Parker on 020 8687 3340 Email markp@aztecuk.net Web www.aztecuk.net

Go Green is supported by the London Development Agency and in partnership with five major London Boroughs covering the South and South West of London and can be contacted as follows
Tel 020 8947 0055 Email gogreen@mccbusinesssolutions.co.uk