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Environmental sustainability policy

Environmental sustainability policy (pdf, 5Mb)

We have developed an environmental sustainability policy documenting our commitment to the environment.

Each of our business groups has a small environmental implementation group who – as well as carrying out their day-to-day jobs – help to implement environmental improvements.

Waste

Recycling schemes have been set up throughout many of the County Council buildings. Staff are encouraged to minimise waste by following the 'Prevent, Reduce, Re-use and Recycle' philosophy. This helps to increase the efficiency of delivered services, reduce resources and reduce the amount of waste going to landfill as a result of our activities.

Site waste management plans have been introduced at relevant County Council building projects to ensure that our wastes are effectively managed throughout all building phases.

Energy

We support energy reduction and energy efficiency initiatives and progresses the use of renewable energy sources where feasible.

  • Temperatures in the majority of County Council buildings are monitored and regulated to reduce energy use.
  • All County Council buildings over 1000 sqm that are accessible to the public have been surveyed and awarded an energy performance rating.
  • Investment has been made to implement energy efficient devices for new street and traffic lighting, and energy efficient lighting within our buildings.
  • We are a participant in the Carbon Reduction Energy Efficiency Scheme (CRC). This requires us to monitor and report our energy use and purchase allowances to cover the amount of CO2 emitted from our energy use.
  • In 2011 we achieved the Energy Reduction Verification Kitemark from BSI demonstrating energy reduction throughout many of our buildings.

Travel

We have launched a 'Modern and Flexible Working' initiative providing its employees the scope to carry out their duties in a manner that helps to reduce travelling, allowing staff to spend more time delivering services.

The majority of Warwickshire schools have travel plans in place in order to reduce the impact of the school run.

Environmental management system

We have implemented an independently certified Environmental Management System conforming to the international standard ISO 14001 throughout all of its directorates and activities. We are one of only a handful of Local Authorities to achieve this award.

Environmental Management Sysem Certificate (pdf, 359Kb)

Operating within the requirements of ISO 14001 gives the public assurance that our operations are carried out in an environmentally competent and cost efficient manner complying with all applicable environmental legislation.

An Environmental Management System (EMS) is a structured and documented system used to manage an organisation's environmental performance and responsibilities.

Implementing an EMS can help to:

  • Identify and minimise environmental risks.
  • Maximise the efficient use of resources including energy and water use.
  • Minimise waste.
  • Demonstrate a good corporate image.
  • Identify efficiency savings.
  • Help employees become aware of environmental issues.
  • Continually improve the Council's environmental performance.

The Environmental Management Team drives the EMS and is supported in this by personnel throughout all services.