The Environment
In striving to achieve business objectives, JJB must act responsibly in relation to the impact of our activities on the local community and the environment at large and have accordingly incorporated the environmental management system within the overall risk management framework. JJB recognises its responsibility to minimise environmental impacts and through the effective management of agreed action plans we expect to achieve this whilst delivering improved business performance. JJB will continue to be involved with FTSE4Good, further demonstrating our continuing commitment to be at the leading edge of current environmental issues. The overall approach to environmental issues is incorporated within the core business management processes, monitored by the Board and the Corporate Social Responsibility Committee and is encapsulated within the following core principles:
- The reduction of adverse environmental impacts arising from our activities and operations;
- Ensuring effective and efficient use of materials and energy;
- Maintain a waste management system strategy which minimises waste arising and maximises waste recovery whilst ensuring responsible disposal methods, wherever possible;
- Ensure compliance with relevant environmental laws, statutory obligations and codes of best practice; and
- Incorporate the principle of sustainable development through a systematic approach to environmental management in order to achieve continual improvement.
Environmental actions
The Board of JJB in association with The Carbon Trust are committed to a Carbon Management Programme. Energy surveys of key sites have been completed and energy savings in both the use of energy and a consequent reduction in costs have been identified which can be achieved through improved energy management. This work will aim to reduce the Group's "carbon footprint" and point the way towards achieving a "carbon neutral" position.
An important part of the Board's policy is to wherever possible source energy efficient plant for its new retail stores and fitness clubs which has the added advantage of being able to claim enhance capital allowances on this expenditure.
Recycling
Wherever possible, cardboard (the major packaging constituent in the business) and plastic are baled and passed to a recycling business for reprocessing. During the year JJB increased its recycling of plastic to 288 tonnes (2007: 30 tonnes) whilst the recycling of cardboard fell to 3,781 tonnes (2007: 4,017 tonnes). This reduction in cardboard recycling is a reflection on the reduced usage of packaging by JJB Sports and the use of recycled tubs to transfer stock to stores.
Since January 2008, JJB has introduced new measures for the recycling of all head office paper. During the 52 weeks to 27th January 2008, JJB recycled 2.8 tonnes of paper which would otherwise have been sent to landfill. JJB Sports is committed to reducing its landfill waste.