Four new external validations cement 3663's sustainability credentials.

3663 First for Foodservice, the UK’s leading foodservice distributor, has gained four new external sustainability assurances, validating its position as a sustainability leader in the industry.

3663’s sustainability reporting has been GRI (Global Reporting Initiative) third party assured giving Members the guarantee that all the data and information included has been externally verified as robust and accurate.

In addition, 3663 has been validated by three separate awarding bodies for its commitment to sustainability - gaining The Carbon Trust Standard for its reduction in carbon emissions, ISO 14064 for validating the reduction in greenhouse gasses associated with its innovative waste oil recycling scheme*, and BS OHSAS 18001 certification across every site for its high standard of occupational health and safety at work.

“Not only are these validations a testament to the great environmental work 3663 is doing, but they also add value to Members by helping to meet their sustainability objectives,” says Shirley Duncalf, environmental services controller at 3663. “GRI assurance gives Members an independent guarantee that the content of our sustainability reporting is true and accurate. We have a long history in issuing environmental reports, and we can now provide best practice guarantees based on a third party assessment.

“3663 has put sustainability at the heart of its business since its inception, and both The Carbon Trust Standard and ISO 14064 certification demonstrate our long-term commitment to measurement, reduction and management of carbon emissions and greenhouse gasses.”

The BS OHSAS 18001 certification shows 3663’s commitment to the welfare of its workforce, that its business is managed efficiently and responsibly, and demonstrates that it can provide a reliable service without excessive downtime caused by work-related accidents and incidents.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

* 3663’s waste oil recycling scheme

In 2006 3663 trialled a recycling initiative which turns waste cooking oil into biodiesel for use in trucks in its transport fleet. In 2008 the trial turned into a full-time programme and now more than 75% of the 3663 fleet runs on a standard diesel and biodiesel mix.

Figures in 2009 showed that consumption was approximately 233k litres of oil per month, i.e. over 2.8 million litres per year, resulting in annualised CO2 emission reductions of around 6,300 tonnes compared with standard diesel.

About the assurances:

The Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) is an independent institution whose mission is to develop and disseminate globally applicable sustainability reporting guidelines that help organisations to report on the economic, environmental, and social dimensions of their activities, products, and services. GRI assurance gives a third party guarantee that text, data and information in company sustainability reports is true and accurate.

The Carbon Trust Standard is awarded to organisations which reduce their carbon emissions and demonstrate good carbon measurement and management.

ISO 14064 is the international standard that provides a framework for organisations to quantify and report on greenhouse gas emissions and removals.

BS OHSAS 18001 certification is offered to address health and safety systems at work. It is internationally recognised assessment specification for occupational health and safety management systems.