Bytes Document Solutions wins 2016 Altron Environmental Award

Eddy Gordon of Bytes Document Solutions (second from left) and the Green Team standing behind the earth boxes for growing herbs and vegetables.

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Bytes Document Solutions (BDS) has been presented with the Altron Environmental Award for the third time in six years, citing its commitment to fostering sustainable environmental programmes.

BDS previously won this award in 2011 and 2013, and was also nominated in 2015. The company's so-called Green Team, led by Eddy Gordon, manager software solutions and technical support, invested enormous effort into creating sustainability awareness within the organisation.

Gordon points out that the environment is going to become an increasingly important part of organisations' roles as corporate citizens, and BDS has focused on setting an excellent example of being an environmentally responsible company.

"Our Green Team are all staff members who are interested in preserving the environment, and we have developed a number of concepts to aid us in this endeavour. These include the creation of earth boxes for growing herbs and vegetables, encouraging employees to recycle batteries in our battery bank and creating water saving awareness," he says.

BDS has also introduced internal awards to recognise the sustainability efforts of its Xerox Global Services teams, which are focused on reducing the company's carbon footprint through the recycling of waste paper and used toner cartridges.

"One of the new initiatives we are proud of is called 'Watering the Dry Spots'. BDS is working with an organisation called Water Shortage South Africa to provide water to areas most in need."

A competition to spark the initiative was held to fashion old computer disks into something imaginative. Entries included mosaic pictures, unique Christmas tree designs and artistic creations on everything from coffee mugs to hats.

"As a company, we take our environmental responsibility seriously, but we still have a lot of fun doing so. We are very pleased to have once again won this award, and to have received recognition for the greening and environmental initiatives undertaken by Bytes Document Solutions and its Green Team," he concludes.