Environmental impact Low
Employer/employee ranking 9/36
Staff numbers 1,000
Energy reduction 19%
Recycling 25%

The National Magazine Company, which brings us some of the most established publications in the UK such as Good Housekeeping, Country Living, Harper’s Bazaar, Esquire and Cosmopolitan, is making a conscientious effort to turn green for both the environment and commercial reasons.

Duncan Edwards, the chief executive, set up its environment committee, and departments even have employees who act as green monitors. Staff agree that the firm’s eco commitment is serious, giving it a 79% green score, and that such initiatives are not a waste of money (90%, a score bettered by just 10 businesses). The firm’s achievements earn it our green award for best low environmental impact big or mid-sized company.

NatMags has gained the international ISO 14001 standard for its environmental management and is working with the Carbon Trust to save energy and money. The central London office in Soho is no longer open 24 hours, which, together with more efficient boilers, has reduced the annual heating bill by £21,500.

The Forest Stewardship Council accredits about 25% of the magazine paper used, and the company is aiming for 100%.

Two rooftop wormeries take waste matter from the kitchens of the Good Housekeeping office. The resulting fertiliser and compost are then sold to gardeners, with the proceeds given to the Soho Family Centre.

A new distribution firm has helped reduce the number of empty lorries criss-crossing the UK and the company wants to plant a wildflower meadow on a balcony. It then aims to roll this out on other balconies to attract wildlife and create a more pleasant atmosphere at work.