Date published: 01.09.08 - not release date

First UK Software Author to Launch Carbon Neutral Initiative

Document management and imaging software author, Version One (www.versionone.co.uk), has today announced the launch of its Carbon-Neutral Initiative. This new initiative, which is the 1st 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 CO2; from reaching critical levels.

As part of this initiative, Version One will offset its carbon emissions by planting native broad-leaved trees on behalf of new 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 CO2; into 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 CO2 emissions 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 CO2 emissions, 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 CO2 emissions 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'll reach critical levels and global warming will become irreversible!”

-ENDS-

Notes to Editor

About Version One www.versionone.co.uk

Version One Ltd is the author of electronic document management and imaging software. These solutions enable the automated electronic storage, retrieval, management, enhancement and delivery of business documents such as invoices, purchase orders and statements. This 'paperless office' technology is seamlessly integrated into all major ERP and accounting systems and with a typical ROI of less than six months, Version One's solutions are enabling 1000's of organisations to save dramatic amounts of time, money and paper.

About Tree Appeal www.treeappeal.com

Launched July 2004, Tree Appeal gives responsible organisations the opportunity to do their bit for conservation by planting native British broad leaf trees such as oak, beech and ash. Working with a number of environmental organisations, Tree Appeal is able to secure tree planting locations for saplings on reserves and land management projects. Professor David Bellamy OBE is patron of the Tree Appeal.

About The Environment Council www.the-environment-council.org.uk

The Environment Council brings together people from business, non-governmental organisations and the community to develop long term to solutions to environmental issues.

Contact:

Liz Ebbrell, Version One
Liz.ebbrell@versionone.co.uk http://www.versionone.co.uk
+44 (0)1625 856500 or 07917 634 705