POLICY

ENVIRONMENT

The Emergency Response Team Search and Rescue UK (ERT SAR UK)

EVIRONMENTAL POLICY

Policy Statement

We are committed to minimising the impact of our activities on the environment. This policy is effective from 1st October 2021.

This statement covers activities at our premises and events. The key points of its strategy to achieve this are:

Management

  • We plan to integrate environmental concerns into all planning and design decisions as far as reasonable and raise the awareness of local impact and our decision in our activities.

  • Continually seek to measure and improve environmental performance

  • Be aware of small decisions which may benefit the environment such as the use of reusable water containers or larger versus smaller water bottles etc.

Training and awareness

  • Raise awareness of environmental issues and promote individual good practice through briefings and the presence of Environmental Champions.

Procurement

  • Require suppliers to provide goods and services with the minimum adverse environmental impact

  • Ensure that goods and materials purchased comply fully with UK government and EU legislation and recognised environmental best practice

Utilities and natural resources

  • Make efficient and environmentally responsible use of energy, water and other natural resources

Waste

  • Minimise waste by ensuring all operations are as efficient as possible

  • Exploring the option to use digital rather than paper / print options.

  • Monitoring our waste and so on, for any harm to the environment or any negative impact to communities.

  • Actively promote re-use and recycling, both internally and with suppliers

Transport

  • Air travel may be essential for some of our activities but where possible we will explore ways to offset the carbon emissions or evaluate the need to travel for some meetings and training in lieu of virtual or teleconferencing, if possible.

  • Volunteers and staff will be encouraged to use public transport, cycle and walk to work when / if possible

  • The use of cars for single occupant journeys is discouraged; however, even little changes like driving once or twice a week versus everyday are considered small but useful efforts.

Legislation

  • We will aim to meet or exceed all the environmental legislation that relates to the UK

Responsibilities

  • All staff and volunteers will be expected to take measures to minimise environment impact through simple measures

  • Managers and heads of department will ensure that environmental issues are integrated into the planning and decision-making process

Reporting

  • Communicate environmental performance both within the organisation and to the external community through the Accountability Review

These commitments will be demonstrated through the introduction of suitable policies, practices and programmes. Environmental performance will be reported in our annual Accountability Review.

Our Health, Safety and Environmental Committee will monitor environmental impact and review this policy statement annually

POLICY HISTORY

This Environmental policy was last updated on 1st October 2021.