Heroes Carwash develop an environmental management system and raise their profile, with help from GLE's Green Mark team.

car wash

Background

Heroes hand carwash service operate within over 150 car parks throughout the UK. In 2009 they achieved a Green Mark Level 1 award, in recognition of their environment-friendly approach to car washing.

They have now recertified and progressed to the higher Level 2 award, demonstrating their commitment to environmental responsibility and the value it brings to their company.

How GLE helped them

Bob Dine, the Commercial Director at Heroes, approached Green Mark in August 2011 looking to recertify their head office in Kent.

In addition to promoting their service, which uses a minimum amount of water, no electricity and safe cleaning products, Bob wished to pursue other environmental initiatives through the Green Mark scheme.

With full commitment from Heroes' CEO Rick Plowman, the company embarked on achieving a Green Mark Level 2, to help improve resource efficiency and demonstrate their commitment to delivering a low-impact service.

The impact of this help

Green Mark Level 2 helped Heroes to develop an Environmental Management System (EMS), which allows them to control and reduce their environmental impact in a coordinated and logical manner.

Their environmental management system pulls together all environmental activities being done across the company, making it easier to plan for the future and adapt to change. It also provides them with a valuable route towards achieving ISO 14001 by reducing the amount of preparatory work it would require.

Heroes have received recognition from their local council, and were recently invited to Parliament to be presented with the Green Mark Level 2 award by Adam Holloway, MP for Gravesham.

Richard Plowman’s commitment to the environment was described by the MP as a “labour of love”, one which makes a real difference to the environment, their employees, and consumers. Heroes are a great example of a growing organisation which seeks to control their environmental impact and plan for a more sustainable future.

At the awards, Heroes were congratulated for their drive to take real and lasting action. Special mention was made of their commitment to regularly update procedures, use of non-hazardous chemicals, and greening of their supply chain.

For more information ...

To find out if your business could benefit from GLE’s Green Mark service telephone 020 7940 1533, email green.mark@gle.co.uk or visit www.greenmark.co.uk.