HSBC Securities Services (Isle of Man) Limited has launched an initiative to minimise its carbon footprint and encourage environmental awareness among its 110-strong workforce.

Inspired by this year’s United Nations World Environment Day (WED) on June 5, HSS has pledged to enhance its green credentials with the support of its employees and outside agencies, including Strand Cleaners and the Isle of Man Water Authority.

Senior Manager Graeme Snape said: ‘As an environmentally responsible business, we have always been committed to reducing energy consumption and recycling.

‘However, we have now implemented a whole raft of initiatives, which have been simple and effective to achieve but when combined will make a substantial difference to our carbon footprint and help raise awareness of environmental issues.’

Measures taken so far at HSBC Securities Services offices in Hill Street, Douglas, include installing recycling bins for paper, glass and aluminium and removing all waste bins from under workers’ desks; fitting sensor lighting in all rooms where practicable; installing ‘Save-a-Flush’ water saving devices provided by the Isle of Man Water Authority in all toilet cisterns; fitting timers to photocopiers, printers, water coolers and coffee machines; timing the air-conditioning system to switch off at a set time each evening and replacing plastic cups with re-usable non-breakable plastic glasses.

In addition, every member of staff has been given a pencil that was once a plastic cup, a Save-a-Flush device and an energy-efficient light bulb.