This new initiative, which is the first of its kind by a UK software author, will offset Version One’s carbon emissions and reduce the company’s negative impact on the environment. It will also encourage Version One’s customers, partners and suppliers to launch similar initiatives, helping to prevent annual emissions of CO₂from reaching critical levels.

As part of this initiative, Version One will offset its carbon emissions by planting native broad-leaved trees on behalf of customers that purchase Version One software and services. As each mature tree locks-in approximately one tonne of carbon, Version One’s commitment to planting at least 1000 trees per year will make it ‘carbon-neutral’ within 12 months. Version One is partnering with the Tree Appeal and its patron, Professor David Bellamy OBE, to facilitate this exciting tree-planting programme.

Tony Bray, Director of Version One, says, “Our document management and imaging software has been helping businesses reduce their paper consumption for nearly eighteen years. Now it’s time for Version One to take its environmental commitment to the next level.”

“Since first established, Version One has emitted over 2000 tonnes of CO₂into the atmosphere and so by launching this Carbon-Neutral Initiative, we are making strides to offset these emissions. This initiative will also force us to put environmental thinking at the heart of our strategy, enabling us to make a real difference to both our local community and the wider environment. By setting standards for others to follow, we hope that more and more businesses will introduce their own carbon initiatives thereby helping to meet Government targets of a 60 per cent cut in emissions by 2050.”

Version One’s Carbon-Neutral Initiative will also incorporate the following measures to minimise CO₂emissions and further drive Version One’s green agenda:

• The Green travel and transport scheme – Staff will be encouraged to car share and travel by public transport where possible. The car budget will be increased for staff who opt for ‘environmentally-friendly’ company cars e.g. hybrids or powered by alternative fuels.
• Recycling drive – As recycling saves on CO₂emissions, an improved recycling programme is being initiated. Computer equipment will be recycled and a range of bins will be available for all types of recyclable waste from paper cups and newspapers through to plastic bottles and tin cans.
• Video conferencing initiative – Version One will encourage video conferences rather than face-to-face meetings to reduce CO₂emissions during travel.
• Good housekeeping measures – Energy-saving light bulbs, encouraging staff to turn-off equipment when not in use etc.
• Green ideas forum – Staff will be encouraged to suggest ways in which Version One can become even greener.

Mike King, Chief Executive of the Environment Council comments, “Businesses can no longer afford to be complacent about their affects on the environment as climate change is a real problem that needs addressing now. Version One is taking its impact on the environment seriously and other businesses need to do the same for the UK to achieve significant emission cuts. If we continue to pollute the air, land and seas at current rates, they will reach critical levels and global warming will become irreversible!”