1. Minimising the impact on the environment of our own
operations
We aim to reduce Bridgepoint's carbon footprint by identifying
more efficient resource use, recycling opportunities and, where
necessary, by paying to offset our carbon emissions. Every year we
conduct an internal survey to make sure we are complying with our
own ambitions, and we present the results to Bridgepoint's
Operating Committee for review and action.
2. Assessing environmental impact before making a new
investment
We invest responsibly, so we insist that pre-investment
proposals include a breakdown of a business's environmental impact
- for example on water use, waste management, energy and sourcing.
Otherwise we require confirmation that there are no issues that the
Investment Committee should be aware of.
If, for any reason, a company does not fully comply with
statutory or regulatory requirements, we ask for proof that
management has realistic plans to resolve it within a reasonable
timeframe.
Once we have invested in a company, the executive management
team must make sure that the company complies with environmental
legislation - and if there is a breach, that it is reported
immediately to Bridgepoint's representative on the board.
3. Encouraging existing investee companies to adopt appropriate
policies
Our board members in investee companies always encourage
management teams to abide by environmental policies in their
operations. These tend to focus on energy use, waste and recycling,
water use and conservation, and supply chain environmental
management.
If the company makes any acquisitions while under our ownership,
we make sure that they consider environmental policies in any due
diligence, and monitor them after acquisition.
