Rental outfit, VMI TV, has won West London Business SME Green Business of the Year award.
The award, in the inaugural year of the category, recognises VMI’s “unwavering commitment to sustainability and industry-wide environmental leadership.”
VMI’s sustainability journey was inspired by the Better Futures programme with Imperial College in 2021, which set the company on a path to achieving a net-zero emissions goal by 2030. Aligning with UN Sustainable Development Goal 9, the company has implemented a series of strategies targeting Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions—resulting in a 50% reduction in base-year emissions, achieved two years ahead of schedule.
To achieve the targets, VMI brought in near 100% electric/electric hybrid delivery vans to cut transport emissions, 55KW of Solar panel installations at its London and Bristol facilities, enhanced insulation and LED lighting to improve energy efficiency, brought in zero-waste policies, ensuring all waste is either recycled or incinerated for energy recovery and switched to 100% Renewable energy sources powering all operations.
By 2022, VMI had achieved nil-waste status while also promoting eco-conscious practices across the film and media industry. Employees are encouraged to adopt sustainable lifestyles, with initiatives such as incentives for plant-based diets and sustainable commuting, reduced air travel policies to lower carbon footprints and collaboration with suppliers, clients, and competitors to drive sector-wide change.
Additionally, VMI spearheads an industry-wide sustainability group, fostering best practices and knowledge-sharing to encourage a collective transition to net zero.
The judges commended VMI’s approach, stating: “VMI TV’s comprehensive transition to net zero by 2030 is exemplary. The company has invested in solar panels, EVs, and bespoke innovations, demonstrating outstanding leadership in helping the wider industry achieve sustainability goals.”
VMI Managing Director, Barry Bassett, said: “We are super proud to have been recognised for our efforts in decarbonising both VMI and the wider industry—especially during a time when many competing rental companies have struggled.”
Jon Creamer
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