BUSINESS | PPC103 MAY 2021

Planet Mark is a sustainability certification that supports any type of business wanting to help halt the climate crisis and improve society.

PPC asked Planet Mark and its pest control company members to share their vision for how we might all work together for a brighter future.

Businesses globally, across all industries, are recognising the need to take climate action. As small and medium-sized companies represent 90% of companies globally, shifting to sustainable solutions can have a huge impact on the environment.

We are at an exciting time of change where businesses, cities and countries are welcoming a zero-carbon revolution that will result in a cleaner, healthier planet for us and future generations. But to do so, we must all play our part.

Planet Mark is a sustainability certification for businesses, real estate and products, that recognises continuous improvement, encourages action and builds an empowered community of like-minded individuals.

Meeting global challenges with sustainable solutions not only positively impacts the planet but also carries significant business benefits.

Adapting to a changing world means that companies are future-proofing their businesses. As well as this, committing to sustainability can increase efficiencies and cut costs, along with attracting and retaining talent.

We work with several pest control companies that are committed to measuring and reducing carbon emissions and are achieving incredible results, ultimately having a positive impact on the planet and society.

People, planet, profit

BPCA member company Rokill, which has been Planet Mark certified for three years, is committed to reducing its carbon output by a minimum of 5% annually.

Rokill Director Chris Turner says, “Sustainability is sometimes described as the triple bottom line - the 3 Ps: People, Planet and Profit. Reducing carbon saves money, helps the planet, wins new business and makes you feel good too.”

When starting with Planet Mark, Rokill realised that, like most pest control companies, the biggest impact area was its vehicle fleet.

Chris comments, “It accounted for 84.5% of Rokill’s total carbon footprint. We created a strategy for replacing vehicles with greener options, including hybrids and PHEVs, and 60% of the current fleet now comprises hybrids.

“We utilise our vehicle telematics system to measure ABC: acceleration, braking and cornering, all of which have an impact on fuel usage. We briefed our teams, ensuring they were engaged, and we produce driver league tables based on ABC, rewarding the best drivers and encouraging efficient driver behaviours.

“Initially, this was not universally popular! However, we persevered, and the outcomes were positive - fuel consumption reduced by around 10%, driver safety was enhanced, and we reduced our carbon footprint.”

Fleet of foot

Another BPCA member, Shield Pest Control, is also committed to implementing an electric/hybrid car policy for all management.

Managing Director Daniel Steward said, “A new Audi E-Tron 55, fully electric and with one of the lowest carbon footprints of any premium car, joined our fleet in November 2019.

Shield is dedicated to its vehicular fleet, ensuring all vehicles are environmentally friendly and of Euro 6 status.”

Shield Pest Control remains committed to the development of its central London team of footmen who utilise public transport and walk to all Central London client sites.

“We plan to expand this team to ensure that all routine pest control operations are delivered with an ever-decreasing environmental footprint.”

Sustainable product usage

For another of our mutual members, Rentokil Initial, an innovation pipeline full of more sustainable, non-toxic products, was created.

Rentokil’s Lumnia LED range reportedly catches flies faster than other LED ILTs (insect light traps), has 80% greater reach than traditional fly traps, can offer up to 70% energy savings and has been certified to have 62% lower carbon emissions by Planet Mark. Tests for Lumnia range and competing products were carried out under the same conditions.

Operations Director at Rentokil Pest Control Dave Hall said, “Also, we have PestConnect, which was recently installed across the estate of a large UK supermarket and has resulted in a significant reduction of rodenticide being used.”

Dave continues, “When it comes to sustainability, it’s not just what you do, but how you do it. Driving from one site to another in the most efficient way will reduce your carbon emissions. Moving to digital reporting and invoicing will save paper. And correctly disposing of the packaging for recycling will also make a big difference.

“Ultimately, everyone can take action, whether at home or work, which reduces their environmental footprint, and often will save money too.”

"Encompassing sustainability gains in everyday business does not necessarily require seismic shifts in your business model.

Daniel Steward, Shield Pest Control

Illuminating responsibly

Rokill targeted energy, switching to renewable sources in the office. Chris said, “Fluorescent tubes are recycled through the Recolite scheme, with 14,000 tubes recycled annually.

“Team engagement is essential, and pest control generates a significant amount of plastic waste. When we first started our journey, rodenticide buckets couldn’t be recycled. One of our team took up the challenge and found a company that would recycle, so we ensured that these no longer went to landfill.“

Engagement of not only the team but also the local community was important for Shield Pest Control.

Daniel Steward says, “We’re very engaged with the local community and are proud to be an active partner within the local Street Trees Project, with several new tree plantings sponsored outside local schools and our building.”

Shield also switched to LED lights throughout its building and recycled old mobile phones and computers back into the local community.

By signing up for certifications like Planet Mark, Rentokil Initial has been able to measure its carbon emissions reductions and has identified an 8.1% reduction in emissions per £m revenue in 2020. The company plans to go further, with a target of net-zero carbon emissions by the end of 2040.

Daniel Steward at Shield Pest Control offers this tip for pest control businesses looking to start their sustainability journey: “Encompassing sustainability gains in everyday business does not necessarily require seismic shifts in your business model.”

As demonstrated by businesses like these, a commitment to sustainability and measuring your carbon footprint is a good place to start. Collectively, we can make a world of difference.

Interested in Planet Mark certification?

Planet Mark’s Business Certification recognises the commitment to continuous improvement, measuring and reducing a business’s carbon emissions, energy and water consumption, travel and waste.

planetmark.com

Source: PPC103