Transport and Vehicle Management
Travel is an essential requirement in most RPS projects. Video conferencing and other IT initiatives have helped reduce the need to travel. Employees are encouraged to use public transport and some offices have adopted formalised transport plans.

A new company car policy was published in 2008 based on vehicle whole life costs. This includes the environmental costs as well as the leasing charges so that cars with a low emission are favoured over less efficient vehicles. CO2 limits have been set for each band. The average CO2 emission

from the UK company car fleet has already reduced by 2.5% to 150g/km saving approximately 25 tonnes of CO2.

RPS operates 478 vans in the UK. New vans with a CO2 emission of 119g/km will be used in 2009 that are 13% more efficient than the existing fleet. This is projected to save 400 tonnes of CO2 per year and will reduce fuel costs significantly.

RPS carries out extensive work around the world, especially in the Energy business. In consequence, there is a requirement for international air travel.


Dublin Airport

A monitoring programme was established in 2008 to determine the carbon impact of these flights. It is estimated that flights booked in the UK accounted for 1,250 tonnes of CO2.

Shareholders

The Group conducts its operations in accordance with what it believes are principles of good corporate governance. Our aim is to provide shareholders with a return on investment that rewards their financial commitment. The Board understands the importance of strong cash flows and earnings and develops its business in such a way as to grow these in a sustainable way as far as possible. The Board endeavours to maintain involvement of shareholders by keeping them informed on major actions or decisions affecting their investment, through a year-round Investor Relations programme.

 
RPS employees in possession of information which, if disclosed, could affect the market price of its shares are prohibited from trading in securities until after public disclosure of such information.

The Chairmen of the Audit Committee, Remuneration Committee and Nomination Committee attend the Annual General Meeting, and are available to answer shareholders' questions. The Chairman and the Senior Independent Non- Executive Director are available to discuss governance, strategy and any issues of concern or interest with any major shareholders.

 
The Chief Executive and Finance Director meet frequently with major institutional shareholders and fund managers. They both attend the Annual General Meeting.

There is a standing board agenda item on investor relations and the views of shareholders, insofar as they are known, are disclosed to the Board as a whole. This gives the Board an opportunity to develop an understanding of the views of major shareholders of the Group.