sustainability
Reducing our environmental footprint
Spec Services is committed to improving recycling outcomes and reducing our carbon footprint as a business. We encourage our Crew to support the recycling efforts on every site and reduce, reuse and recycle at home. Our Environmental Management System incorporates Australian sustainable waste management guidelines and adheres to the ISO 14001 Framework for Environmental Management.
We understand that establishing positive and effective sustainability leadership is a key factor in providing our clients with an excellent and ethical product. We meticulously implement environmental and waste management policies and procedures that have been developed through our knowledge and experience and are aligned to best practice smart sustainable business practices.
Electrifying the Fleet
Spec Services purchases vehicles that have been built within the past 5 years and produce low emissions. In June 2022 Spec Services procured 2 Tesla Model 3 in what is the beginning of the process to update all fleet vehicles to EVs.
We also track employees’ vehicles using Verizon Connect trackers which tracks idling time which has a significant impact on emissions. Verizon Connect also supports Spec Services in monitoring our employees’ work health and safety.
Spec Services uses BINTRACKER, a smart waste tracking system that monitors waste streams from base buildings and tenants. This real-time data improves recycling, reduces contamination, and supports NABERS waste reporting. It also provides facilities managers with clear insights into waste volumes, helping drive better environmental outcomes across commercial and government sites.
Spec will continue to implement new and innovative work practices in line with the changing face of the services industry and will strive to identify profitable revenue streams in line with the company’s vision.
HOW WE DO IT
Integrating Sustainability Practices
Facilities Waste Management
✓ Bin enclosure design and set up
✓ Training of on-site cleaners, tenants and facility managers in sustainable waste practices
✓ NABERS Waste accredited assessments and tracking
Construction Waste Management
✓ Provide a site liaison between principal contractor and Greenstar Assessor
✓ Managing waste from construction operations
✓ Managing waste from refurbishment
✓ Manage site, process and documentation for Green Star reporting criteria and submissions
Best Practice Recycling Outcomes
✓ We encourage the building managers and owners we work with to maximise the recycling of waste through implementing relevant recycling containers.
Certification & sustainability performance
Spec Services will also offer sustainability waste management training to our clients’ cleaners after the building has been constructed. Training activities will include learning about environmentally friendly cleaning methods and products as well as general waste and recycling management.
A member of the Spec Services Management Team is currently undertaking training on Green Star and NABERS accreditation programs.
Once accredited, this employee will be able to assess the design of office fit outs in line with environmental and sustainability ratings as well as ongoing operational energy efficiency.
“At Spec, we are committed to reducing our environmental footprint through a sustainable waste management system. We strive to divert waste from landfill, minimising both the cost of waste management and our environmental impact.”
– Mike de Souza, General Manager Spec Services
WORK WITH US
Integrating Sustainable Cleaning & Waste Practices into Building Design & Construction
Spec Services plans to offer advisory services to our clients before the design and construct phase commences to ensure architects and builders keep the following sustainable cleaning and maintenance practices in mind:
- Installing abseiling fixtures on new builds to ensure abseilors can easily clean the building’s exterior.
- Building waste sheds close to the tenants’ waste recycling bins.
- Ensuring the design allows ease of access for larger cleaning equipment such as boom and elevated platforms.
- Ensuring a Sustainable Waste Manager is always onsite.
- Ensuring all tradespeople have policies and procedures for sustainable waste management.
- Separating building rubble and steel onsite and reducing waste removal costs by tens of thousands of dollars and helping our clients reach Green Star ratings.
- Contracting a community planner to advise on the cleaning requirements for the building and sustainable waste management practices.
