Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) declares that organisations should consider the interests of all stakeholders - customers, employees, shareholders, communities - when taking business decisions.
Closely linked to CSR is the principle of Sustainable Development. This asserts that enterprises should take account of the social and environmental consequences of their actions in addition to financial considerations.
Growing numbers of organisations are devoting time and resources to formulating CSR policies while declaring forceful approval for action on climate change. However, in many cases, a significant gap remains between intention and delivery.
Radio Taxis’ CSR policies are different. focussed on action. A vibrant, comprehensive and forward thinking programme is focussed on action.
Radio Taxis Group perceive CSR as a strategic asset rather than a business expense. For over half a century, the organisation has stressed the importance of working alongside the community and paying careful attention to environmental issues. This document provides a statement of actions to date and reveals objectives going forward.
Putting The Environment First
In March 2005, Radio Taxis Group became the world’s first carbon neutral taxi company.Commissioned to carry out a review of the business, The Edinburgh Centre For Carbon Management assessed RTG’s annual carbon usage at 24,000 tonnes per annum. As a result of ECCM’s recommendations, significant modifications to heating, lighting and cooling systems were implemented at Head Office.
Change was far reaching. Recycling systems were introduced for Electrical Equipment waste, office products sourced from green suppliers and targets set for reductions in paper usage. In April 2006, Radio Taxis Group attained ISO 14001 accreditation for environmental management systems.
In order to achieve Carbon Neutral status, organisations must not only reduce emissions but offset outstanding balances by investing in schemes that benefit the environment. Radio Taxis identified projects in New Zealand, India, USA and Bulgaria, satifying exacting criteria laid down by the Carbon Neutral protocol.
Making A Difference
Radio Taxis’ CSR programme covers 15 issues that impact upon various aspects of the business and the community.Regulations set down by The Mayor Of London stipulate that all taxis in London must be Euro 3 compliant by summer 2008. In order to streamline the process for owners of black cabs, Radio Taxis is providing drivers with financial incentives.
RTG are recognised as pioneers in the search for alternatives to fossil fuels. Following extensive research, a new 30% biodiesel blend will be introduced by the company in August 2007. Exclusively available to Radio Taxis Group drivers, this revolutionary fuel will deliver an increase in MPG (miles per gallon) of 10% and exceed the Mayor’s specifications for tailpipe emissions.
Investment in people is another key area. RTG has implemented staff consultation and communications systems while providing comprehensive career development and training. Among many customer service initiatives, RTG provides disability awareness training for every single member of staff while dialogue with external stakeholders is regarded as standard management practice.
Interaction with the broader community is encouraged. One team of employees worked with a local primary school to develop a garden for the pupils. The aim was to help the children learn to grow organic vegetables for the school kitchen and develop an interest in wildlife in general.
Recognition
Radio Taxis efforts in the sphere of CSR have been recognised by several prominent industry groups.
In December 2006, RTG received the prestigious Corporate Social Responsibility Award at the CIMA Financial Management Awards. Judges expressed admiration for the Carbon Neutral project, emphasising a clear business link between the cost of offsets and media coverage.
RTG was also awarded 2 Big Ticks at the London & South East Business In The Community Awards. These awards are the single most prestigious form of recognition for CSR in the UK, acknowledging organisations for integrating responsible business practices into mainstream operations,. Other notable accolades for RTG have included the EDF Energy Environmental Impact Award and the Impact On Society Award for Small Companies.
Guiding Principles
CSR is a commercial priority for Radio Taxis Group. Members of the board take personal responsibility for the delivery of programmes across the business, driving initiatives and maintaining the pace of activity.Radio Taxis strives to become the kind of organisation that our people, our suppliers and our customers feel proud to work with. Our intention is threefold: to play a meaningful role in the community that we serve, to deliver programmes that exceed regulatory requirements and to build relationships that endure.
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