Ecology
In addition to our gung-ho energetic approach to shipping we try to reduce our ecological footprint as best we can. We have no company cars, we recycle, we have installed a sedum grass roof on Maritime House and planted where possible around the yards and car park. Currently we are investigating how the building can be zero emission using wind and solar power.
Company wins eco-award
Following effective installation of environmental measures at Maritime House, John Shirley Ltd won a highly commended finalist award at the Kent Environment Awards in December 2005. The commendation was partly because of the costly sedum-grass roofs installed on the building, partly because of the ten year old 'car-free' company policy including active promotion of integrated transport, but also because of its company folding bicycle fleet.
Even when there is no other choice but road freight, for the Environment Award hauliers are chosen who have the youngest truck fleets with at least Eco2 but preferably Eco3 engines. The arrival of the new generation Eco 4 engines is eagerly awaited.
The company endeavours to promote ecological awareness in general, such as recommending clients to use rail freight and sea freight and inland waterways wherever possible as opposed to lorries. Even when there is no other choice but roadfreight, hauliers are chosen who have the youngest truck fleets with at least Eco2 but preferably Eco3 engines.
Day to day the company recycles all possible items: paper, cardboard, cartridges etc and it has a composter in the back yard where tea, paper, leaves and any plant trimmings are placed. In addition there is a large rainwater butt for watering the large number of potted plants which grow up the trellises along the walls of the yards. In combination with the green roof it is in this way that the environmental impact of Maritime House is reduced. Currently the directors are investigating the way to install solar/gas boilers and to generate electricity through electrovoltaic cells and wind turbines. The ultimate aim is not just to make Maritime House a 'zero emission building' but rather a positive emission building - one that gives back to the environment more than it takes.