Managing environmental issues
During 2006 Experian was part of GUS plc and subscribed to the GUS environmental policy which can be read by clicking here (hyperlink). Within that framework, Experian then developed its own approach concentrating on the issues that really matter to its business. Experian sets its own environmental objectives and targets each year and collects its own environmental performance data (historically working to a framework set by GUS plc). This data is reported internally and also forms the basis of the report below. Experian therefore has already put in place the many of the systems and controls for environmental management which it will require as an independent company.
For Experian International, the environmental priorities are:
- Energy used in its offices;
- Waste generated throughout its operations;
- Travel undertaken by its employees.
An Environmental Working Group manages environmental issues at Experian in the UK, reporting to the CR Steering Group. The Environmental Working Group is responsible for considering the environmental impacts, reviewing policy, setting objectives and targets and reviewing performance. There is also a network of “environmental champions” which helps motivate and encourage colleagues towards environmental improvement. Experian has maintained its accreditation to ISO 14001 (an international standard for good environmental management) for all its Nottingham sites.
In the UK, Experian’s employees are housed principally at six sites in Nottingham, which between them account for roughly 2,600 of the 3,400 UK-based employees. One of these sites is the Experian Data Centre, containing large-scale IT equipment. There are also a number of smaller offices throughout the UK. Experian in the UK provides a lease scheme for 688 company cars. In France, Experian operates from 34 sites, of which the largest is in Aix en Provence, complemented by a head office in Paris. Together these two countries account for 5,530 of the 6,900 employees (80%) in Experian International.
Experian Americas concentrates primarily on the management of energy in its offices and data centres, with secondary attention on solid waste and business travel.
Energy is managed by facilities managers at each location, who oversee and regulate daily activities and usage. Waste management is the responsibility of the facilities team as well. Data is collected through a network of contacts who provide figures for internal reporting and the annual CR Report. Environmental management (as part of Experian’s management of CR) is the responsibility of the Senior Vice President of Marketing, supported by the facilities group.
Experian’s US offices house more than 5,000 employees, concentrated in Costa Mesa (CA), Schaumburg (IL) and Allen (TX) where Experian’s US Data Centre is based. Together, these three account for roughly 3,300 of Experian’s 5,300 US-based employees (73%), with the remainder in 20 other locations throughout the US.
The data in the Report covers 80% of Experian International and 100% of Experian Americas. The coverage for Experian is therefore 92% of the business, when measured by turnover.