Environmental policies and practice
As demonstated by the public sector's refusal to contract organisations without an Environmental Policy, a commitment to recycling paper is no longer sufficient. Environmental Policies now occupy a similar position to other core policies like Health and Safety, and address:
- the wellbeing of staff and customers
- a review of all business operations
- the measures taken to minimse waste and pollution
- an environmental criteria for the selection of suppliers
- implementation of policy
- integration of policy into company practices
- evaluation, measurement and review processes
Whilst the guidelines for these documents are currently less rigid, the scope for action is immense, presenting a real opportunity for businesses to create a progressive and innovative approach that will offer long term benefits.
The following features can be included in an Environmental policy:
- Climate change strategy
- Elimination of waste from business processes where possible
- Re-use and recycle
- Responsible disposal of waste
- Consideration of the lifecycle costs, benefits and environmental impacts of products and services
- Supplier and deliverer selection to include environment criteria
Process
An Environmental Policy has a far greater chance of succeeding if some time and effort is put in at the earlier stages - and many organisations discover that the foundations of these practices are already in place.
Consultation
Taking the input of all involved in environmental practices - both internally and externally - can lead to more effective, innovative and sustainable Environmental Policies, as well as encouraging commitment and shared ownership.
- Engage with employees. Ask for ideas, input, and suggestions. How about leading a discussion around the film, 'An Inconvenient Truth', or seeing whether you could build on practices that they are already involved in? Address any concerns that they may have before they become an issue.
- Consult with members of the local community. Identify any concerns that they have around your business' effect on the environment and ask for their suggestions. Look for ways of working together effectively.
- Consult with local recycling and environmental groups to ensure that your practices are efficient and appropriate.
Knowledge
Ensure that you are working from an informed and knowledgeable platform, particularly in areas that are new to your business.
- Obtain advice from other relevant agencies. For example, will you need to dispose of specific or unusual resources? What happens to your product when it reaches the end of its life span? How aware are you of the environmental contexts that your suppliers operate within?
- Research practices carried out by other businesses - both locally and those within your specific industry. Could you share resources or learn from each other?
Integration and Communication
- Plan for integration of policy with other company procedures. Identify crossovers to ensure a consistent and clear approach. For example, will new disposal guidelines need to be included in your Health and Safety Policy? Will your marketing or packaging need to reflect these new values and practices?
- Inform all stakeholders (such as customers and suppliers) of what you will be doing
Environmental Policies and Practice Toolkit
