Our supply chain function manages the crucial interface with our network of suppliers and contractors through the Responsible Procurement Policy. This interface is aimed at ensuring our £1.1 billion annual UK spend (excluding fuel procurement) takes into account environmental, social and ethical concerns, in line with our approach to corporate responsibility.

Having successfully integrated the social and ethical part of the responsible procurement policy in our procurement processes, we next considered wider environmental considerations under scrutiny. We commissioned an internal research project to look at our supply chain carbon footprint, benchmark against other businesses and scope the complexity of the project.

Using the results from this research, we'll be working with Action Sustainability to develop a strategic framework on tackling our supply chain carbon footprint. In early 2007, we were invited to submit a case study about our company on the Action Sustainability website, details of which can be viewed here.

We also took part in the Sustainable Solutions 'meet the buyer' events in conjunction with Action Sustainability where we met suppliers of sustainable solutions and shared ideas on emerging technology as well as considered solutions that we could use ourselves.

Our continued work with Action Sustainability is an example of how our supply chain team continues to find ways to reduce our carbon dioxide emissions. The benefits from this will be more efficient processes resulting in lower costs, people development opportunities through tackling more complex issues and better informed suppliers and partners who all play their part in combating global warming.