Environmental Policy
Guiding Principle:
We endeavor to make a net positive impact on our local and global environment.
Language
Many issues dealt with in this policy concern complex scientific issues that are often themselves controversial. Language may lead to disagreement, however, the guiding principle should be upheld.
Explanation:
Net Positive
Some of our activities will inevitably consume resources. Where possible, these resources should be renewable. Where possible, any resources will be reused. Where possible, once expended, any resources will be recycled. Some of our activities will lead to other entities (businesses, organisations, individuals, others) reducing their resource consumption over a fixed time-period. We endeavor to make the difference positive while constantly aiming for zero negative impact.
Negative
We define a negative impact in this context in these ways (at least one):
- The consumption of a resource or amount of resources.
- Human interaction with an ecological system leading to damage to that system over any time-scale.
Local
We emphasise the local nature of our environment and ecosystem in order to prevent the use of 'impact transfers' or 'offsetting' as a route to meeting the guiding principle. Negative impacts should be reduced to zero locally rather than globally.
Global
We also emphasise the global nature of our environment and ecosystem in order to ensure we account for any impact made outside our normal geographical location. We will seek to ensure any impact that can be related to us is reduced to zero, wherever in the world it occurs.
Environment
The global ecosystem including but not exhaustively:
- Land and resources
- Air and atmosphere
- Living matter
Commitments:
Paper
- Paper is to be re-used where possible.
- Only 100% recycled blank paper is to be used when blank paper is required.
- Letterhead is to be printed on 100% recycled paper. Re-used paper is to be used where possible.
- Notes and messages can be written on re-used paper or envelopes.
- Paper is to be recycled after full re-use.
Power
- Where possible, power is to be from renewable sources.
- When purchasing new equipment, the most efficient practical should be purchased.
- When using equipment, if it will be unused for 30 minutes or more, it should be shut down or turned off and turned off at the plug.
- For lights, if leaving a room with no-one in it, they should be switched off, even if CFLs.
Travel
- Where public transport exists for a route, it should be used.
- Flights can only be taken where the flight lasts in excess of 5 hours, or if the alternative would take more than 10 hours.
- Traveling to and from the workplace is a personal choice, however, driving is strongly discouraged.
Equipment / Stationery
- Seek to re-use before purchasing new.
- Purchase second hand where the item does not use power.
- Where power is needed, purchase the most energy efficient available.
- Take account of the materials and production process in finding the most sustainable sources.
- Where recycled and sustainable alternatives exist, opt for recycled unless the recycling process uses excessive energy.
- Take account of the delivery method and distance in the purchasing decision.
Disposal
- Before disposal, consider repair and re-use.
- Consider alternative uses that could extend the useful life of the product.
- If re-use is not possible, consider selling or donating the product.
- If it cannot be re-used, sold or donated, any employee may take the product for personal use.
- Products containing hazardous materials should be disposed of safely.
- All products that can be recycled, must be.
Problems
Where a problem is found with a product or practice, the problem must be investigated within 36 hours and the product or practice reviewed within 7 days. Where a product has been found to sit outside these commitments, the product should be replaced at the end of its useful life or at such a time as the resources saved from replacing it exceed those expended in the production and transport of the product.
