| How we are reducing our environmental
impact. | |
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Environmental Policy
The
environmental policy ensures that the council's effect on the
environment is considered in all its activities. Reports from
council officers that inform the decisions made by the council's
cabinet include a section that examines the likely environmental
impacts of that course of action.
Energy and waste
At the council's two main office sites considerable achievements
have been made in minimising waste and reducing energy use. By
focusing on encouraging staff at council buildings to follow some
simple good housekeeping rules, mountains of waste, tonnes of
greenhouse gases and thousands of pounds have been saved. The
scheme has been so successful that it has been recognised by
National and Regional Green Apple Awards. More details can be found
in these case studies:
Energy case study
Waste Case Study
Procurement
The Council spends millions of pounds on goods and services
every year. It is important to consider how to minimise the
negative and maximise the positive social, economic and
environmental benefits when deciding what to buy or what service to
introduce. For example we only buy recycled office paper and we are
continuously working with our suppliers to find the most
sustainable products for things like cleaning and stationary. There
is also a Sustainable Purchasing Guide for all
employees, which explains why and how to buy greener
products.
Sustainability considerations are also built into the specification
system for large contracts, so the best options are considered
before we decide what to buy. The companies we deal with are also
expected to have high environmental standards, and are asked to
complete an environmental evaluation questionnaire before they are
awarded a contract. | |
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| Please note - Some documents published before
1st December 2006 may contain incorrect contact
numbers. |
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