We make every effort to minimise any negative impact that our operations might have on the environment. Our commitment to sound environmental management is enshrined in our governing principles and embedded throughout our management system. Over the years, it has become integral to our culture and continues to define Serco as a safe, socially responsible and environmentally aware business. 

This was recognised in a number of ways during 2006. At the start of the year, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) published a set of environmental key performance indicators (KPIs) for businesses in the service sector. Serco met or exceeded each one. In the Business in the Environment Index, produced by Business in the Community, we increased our score from 69% to 75%. At a local level, HMP Doncaster entered the Yorkshire and Humberside Environmental Index in the UK and achieve 97%, placing it first in its sector and seventh overall in the country. HMP Dovegate’s environmental efforts were recognised by an environmental award from The Burton and District Business Team.

The nature of our business dictates that our environmental impacts are predominantly in the areas of energy consumption, water use and waste management. Over two-thirds of our contracts are based on our customers’ premises, which means we have no direct control over environmental aspects. Nevertheless, we always strive to meet the highest standards of environmental practice. Wherever necessary, we work in constructive partnership with our clients and sub-contractors to shape sound and sustainable practices.