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The Envirometer of Van Helvert Metals

Continuous improvement of environmental performance

Van Helvert Metals has been using the Envirometer since 1998. The company's business is scrap metal collection, processing and trade. Driven as it was by the recycling concept, which is at the very core of company philosophy, Van Helvert had always been environmentally and ethically aware in its business operations. Using the Envirometer enabled the company to tackle the issues in a more structural manner.

Van Helvert began recording its environmental performance in 1998. In the first five years the company consisted of a small building with a large open yard. Since then, the pollution and costs associated with off-site transport have been cut by around 35%, thanks to the purchase of fuel-efficient trucks and more use of light goods vehicles. With commercial waste now efficiently separated, the environmental impact of that waste has been halved, while gas consumption has been reduced by over one-third.

In 2003 the company moved to a new location with a covered yard. This year shows a pronounced peak in Envirometer score. Rebuilding work led to a considerable amount of construction and demolition waste. Energy consumption has risen in the new situation, because some of the work is now carried out in an area with heating and lighting. Over and against these developments, working conditions in the new premises have improved markedly (which is not reflected in the Envirometer). The past few years have seen a drop in gas consumption, due among things to use of floor heating.

Looking back on eight years of increased focus on environmental issues, there is every reason to be satisfied. Van Helvert has saved itself thousands of Euros through prudent management of waste, energy and transport. Per Euro turnover, ín 2006 the company's environmental impact was half what it was back in 1998. Overall, the Envirometer shows a steady improvement.

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