Environmental impact High
Employer/employee ranking 33/5
Staff numbers 220
Energy reduction 0%
Recycling n/a

Renewable Energy Systems (RES) has been at the forefront of the wind energy industry for two decades and is now expanding its activities into renewable heat and power technologies as well as sustainable design for buildings.

Based in Kings Langley in Hertfordshire, the firm, founded in 1981, is a subsidiary of Sir Robert McAlpine Enterprises.

Its pioneering low-carbon headquarters embody the company’s sustainable approach and commitment to corporate citizenship. Beaufort Court, an eco-friendly conversion of a former egg farm, is entirely self-sufficient in heat and power, using renewable energy on-site. As well as solar panels and a wind turbine, a crop called miscanthus is grown, which is harvested and burnt to generate electricity.

Spread over five sites across the UK, the company also has policies to reduce the environmental impact of the activities of its 220 staff, which include a car-sharing scheme, measuring transport-related emissions and a travel policy.

Employees are aware of the environmental implications of the work they do, earning the company a green score of 89% in our staff survey. They consider the impact of work-related travel (80%), would put on a jumper rather than turn up the heating (80%) and don’t tend to use air-conditioning in the summer (86%), all scores bettered by just two other firms.

RES has been recognised for its achievements in the fight against global warming and the search for alternative future energy supplies with numerous awards, including the prestigious Queen’s Award for Sustainable Development. And last year, chief executive Dr Ian Mays was awarded an MBE for his services to the energy industry. Staff say he is committed to the environment (88%) and puts green considerations high on his list of priorities (84%).

Although there are plenty of facilities for those who choose to cycle, walk or run to work (91%) and staff are encouraged to use public transport or share their car to travel to the office (83%), a significant number of RES employees still drive to work. The workforce does think the organisation does a lot for the environment (95%), however. They say it goes for the most eco-friendly solution rather than just opting for the cheapest (86%), even if not all employees fully understand what the company’s carbon footprint is (66%).