CPM links growth to green value

Having launched a strategic environmental programme in 2008, CPM received its first accreditation in 2009 and was recertified in 2011, progressively increasing measures to identify, control and manage the environmental impact of its activities.

CPM UK Managing Director Karen Jackson said: “As the UK’s – and in fact the world’s – largest outsourced sales business, we’re acutely conscious of the need to take accountability for our environmental footprint. Our client list includes global FMCG leaders. Not only do we share their environmental values but we appreciate that this is a key factor in maintaining successful agency-client relationships.

“We also strive to attract the very best talent to represent our clients’ businesses. Generation Z have grown up understanding climate change and sustainability issues, and will be looking to work for companies that promote environmentally-conscious behaviour, so to recruit top sales people we must meet their expectations as well. Embracing this ideology is part of CPM’s commitment to being leaders in every aspect of outsourced sales.”

Since 2011 CPM has increased its recycling by 20%, reduced paper consumption by over 10%, grown its vehicle fleet by 50 while still reducing emissions, and reduced enough energy per employee to power 155 light bulbs.

CPM’s senior leadership team attributes this success to a company-wide initiative that encourages and rewards employee participation. Known internally as the ROOT project – Reducing Our CO2 Together – the initiative is championed by a team from across the business that meets on a quarterly basis to review environmental objectives and agree on measures to raise staff awareness and engagement in the programme.

CPM’s ISO 14001 recertification assessor said: “The management team have integrated their environmental management processes into their everyday business as usual processes, such that awareness of environmental impacts and the need to reduce their carbon foot print is widely known across the site.”

Looking to future environmental goals Karen Jackson added: “Building on the great progress we’ve made at our Thame and Warrington bases to-date, we’ll be rolling-out the Root Project to our field operations for 2016, focusing on travel, waste and energy.”