BLACKHALL has set the following key objectives and targets for improving its environmental performance:

• To fully engage with, and to continually strive to improve performance and ranking within the Yorkshire and Humberside Environment Index. To rank in the upper quartile by 2009
• BLACKHALL has as one of its key objectives to achieve the ISO 14001 certification. During 2007, we will be assessed and certified to the revised ISO 14001.
• BLACKHALL now reports on the total CO2 emissions from use of electricity, gas, transport, and process equipment. The carbon footprint per employee was 8.05t/employee in 2006; the company objective is to become even more efficient in managing CO2 emissions, therefore there is a target for 20% reduction of our carbon footprint by 2009. This will be achieved by better management and deployment of resources, as well as definite policies, practices and initiatives within the Company. For example, the sourcing of as much material as possible from local sources - this not only supports our local community, but also reduces transport costs and Carbon Emissions resulting from that transport.
• Monitoring of solid waste disposal has recently commenced, and the intention is to use information thus derived, to drive improvements in the waste to turnover ratio. Assessment of solid waste types is now underway to determine if more can be re-cycled, rather than disposed to landfill. The amount of solid waste reduction target for 2007 is 10%.
• Blackhall recycles 100% of scrap office paper, leaflets, outdated catalogues and redundant process paperwork, by shredding, and re-using as packaging material. The target for 2009 is to recycle or re-use 80% of waste cardboard and other packing materials. The target for the reduction of scrap metal is 15% by 2009. A long-term objective is to remain under the 50 tonne threshold for 'obligated' packaging indefinitely.
• The monitoring of liquid waste within the company has been closely observed for many years, and as this includes Chlorinated Solvents, all disposals have, of necessity, been conducted under the 'Section 62' regulations by approved contractors. A current initiative aims to reduce the use of these solvents by 60% over the next 3 years by a combination of improved management of materials, and alternative processes are being introduced, such as ultrasonic and water based cleaning solvents despite of production growth with subsequent demand for increased quantities of chemicals. This will bring financial benefits to the company and environmental benefits both globally, and within the company premises.
• Reducing the use of materials has financial, environmental and health and safety initiatives.
• Minimising local impact of Cedar House surface water by diverting roof rainwater to sustainable urban drainage system and develop water harvesting for testing of valves.

Benchmarking of BLACKHALL in the Environment Index 2006

This is the summary of the overall performance of in the main areas of the Environment Index conducted by Business in the Community. Our aim is to score over 95% which will put the Company in the 'Premiere League'. The Environment Index assesses the extent to which environmental responsibility is integrated throughout an organisation.