Walk the talk

Our ethical policy is not just a peacocks' feather that's been hastily tied onto our business. It has run through the heart of everything we've done since day one.

• Open & honest dealings
• Carbon Zero business
• Reduce, Re-use, Recycle
• Offset 1 tonne of CO2 for every client every year
• Solar ovens in Kenya

What is an Ethical Policy?

Well it depends, but here at Green Schools Online we see our ethical policy as a statement of the core values that underpin the way we conduct our business. As such, for us, it also incorporates what others might call a 'green policy' or 'environmental policy'.

Ethical policy

We will:

• conduct business affairs on sound, ethical principles making every effort to trade fairly, openly and honestly with clients and suppliers
• provide a positive experience for both our staff and clients
• ensure a good work life balance is maintained and staff's personal commitments are recognised
• encourage personal & professional development and celebrate individuals' successes
• treat people fairly and with respect
• design websites that are accessible to all making the web a rich experience for everyone
• not conduct business with unethical or immoral organisations such as regimes, companies, organisations or individuals that knowingly harm or endanger people, animals or the environment
• not use suppliers who exploit their workforce.

Environmental standpoints

We will:

• reduce waste by re-using and recycling resources including re-using and recycling paper, envelopes and printer cartridges
• use recycled paper and vegetable based inks for business stationery and promotional materials
• conduct as much business as possible electronically and only print when really necessary and, as standard, print with draft settings
• use low energy light bulbs and 'green' energy suppliers
• switch off electronic equipment when not in use and not leave it in 'stand-by' mode
• support local trade & source supplies locally where possible
• use 'green' service providers and 'fair trade' products wherever possible
• encourage people to use our online information resources rather than receiving printed material by post
• at all times try to Reduce, then Re-use and finally Re-cycle
• walk/cycle or use public transport to meetings wherever possible.

One tonne of carbon offset for every client, every year

We are a certified Carbon Zero company, meaning that all emissions generated in developing your website are offset. In addition, on behalf of every customer, every year we will offset 1 tonne of CO2 through our carbon partner co2balance who are investing in Solar Ovens in Kenya on our behalf.
One tonne of CO2 is enough to offset not just your web server emissions for a year but also to offset the emissions from an average classroom for 6 months.

Some background on the Solar Oven Project in Kenya:

co2balance is working with local social groups in Nairobi to install solar powered sun ovens. These are replacing the use of wood fires, which burn rubbish and wood to cook on. The ovens, which are currently imported into East Africa, will be manufactured in Kenya from early in 2008. In addition to the saving in greenhouse gases, the reduced need for firewood and rubbish leads to a corresponding reduction in the amount of time spent collecting the material (it does not totally remove the need as even in Kenya there are times when the sun is not shining!) The removal of smoke and fumes from the wood and rubbish (they have no chimney) also eliminates a serious source of respiratory illness.

It is intended to roll out this project to many other major conurbations in East Africa as the funds become available.

This project has a wide range of additional benefits to the receiving community, including health, financial, social and environmental. In this way the project’s achievements are maximised beyond simple carbon saving.