environmental policy
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1. The Cornwall Sustainable Tourism Project (CoaST) aims to promote environmentally, socially and economically sustainable behaviour of businesses, local people and visitors to Cornwall by working in partnership with other organisations with similar aims to create a centre of excellence for sustainable tourism.
1.2. The organisation is thus committed to ensuring that environmental best practice is fully implemented throughout its own operations, processes and activities.
1.3. This policy formally outlines this commitment and serves as a focus for the continual development of environmentally sustainable working practices that truly reflect the core values and beliefs of CoaST.
1.4. It incorporates the following underpinning tenets –
• The principles of sustainable development, defined as practices that “meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” (Brundtland: World Commission on Environment and Development, 1987)
• The continual development of cost effective methods of working that offer the best practicable environmental solution in any given circumstance with the minimum standard being environmentally neutral.
• Engagement with local people to advance communal commitment to sustainable environmental practices and encourage partnership working with local communities and their representatives.
2. POLICY FRAMEWORK
CoaST undertakes to
2.1. Operate managerial and operational systems which are environmentally friendly or, minimally, environmentally neutral.
2.2. Monitor and evaluate the environmental impact of all practices and processes and constantly seek improvement.
2.3. Conduct an environmental risk assessment when considering new operations.
2.4. Consider the environmental impact of the life cycle and ultimate disposal of any end/by product and associated waste.
2.5. Expect similar environmental standards from third parties associated with its activities.
2.6. Minimise the use of all materials, supplies and energy.
2.7. Minimise waste production in all activities with the ultimate aim of eliminating waste wherever possible.
2.8. Enable and encourage employees to act positively for the environment in every task undertaken.
2.9. Work with local communities, promoting and responding to environmental issues and concerns.
2.10. Include environmental and ethical issues within investment and business policy decisions.
3. APPLICATION
3.1. Environmental impact
3.1.1. Due consideration is given to the environmental impact of all operations, practices and procedures.
3.1.2. Purpose
- to aid selection of products with an extended life-span
- to reduce the use of virgin resources
- to highlight associated environmental costs associated with eventual disposal
- to assist environmental awareness in purchasing
3.2. Green purchasing
3.2.1. Preference is given to those suppliers who subscribe to sustainable environmental principles.
3.2.2. Minimal packaging is a requirement. Excessively packaged goods are avoided. Preference is given to bulk purchasing when practical, with use of returnable or reusable containers where possible.
3.2.3. Preference is given to recycled goods over virgin.
3.2.4. Preference is given to ‘fair trade’ goods.
3.2.5. Use of recycled paper is a specification in all our publications, with priority given to paper containing a high percentage. All paper and stationary purchased for office use is made of 100% recycled material.
3.2.6. Preference is given to items that are returnable for remanufacture.
3.3. Transport
3.3.1. Wherever practical, alternate means of transport will be explored that either reduces or curtails dependence on fossil fuels.
3.3.2. Comparative studies are undertaken at appropriate intervals to determine the most cost effective, environmentally efficient, method of transportation for any given circumstance.
3.3.3. Provide facilities necessary for the use of sustainable transport methods (cycling, walking and public transport) for staff members and partner organisations.
3.4. Staff commitment
3.4.1. All staff are given an induction session that includes detailed information on sustainable resource management to engender interest and imbue a sense of individual responsibility.
3.4.2. All staff are expected to participate in the following ‘good housekeeping’ work environment practices.
3.5. Work environment practices
Suggestions from staff, to find new ways of improving conservation of all resources used within the organisation, are actively encouraged.
Waste
3.5.1. Reduce –
• Avoidance of unnecessary printing and duplication.
• Use of both sides of paper when printing.
• Circulation/display of written information where practical.
• Avoidance of disposable cutlery, cups, plates etc.
3.5.2. Reuse –
• Reuse of envelopes.
• Use of any blank sides of obsolete printed paper for notes or printing draft copies before recycling.
• Purchase of second-hand items wherever possible.
3.5.3. Recycle –
• Retaining materials such as cartridges and toners for return to manufacturers.
• Separating discarded materials for recycling.
• Composting organic waste
3.5.4. Use recycled
• Recycled paper, cartridges and other stationery supplies whenever possible
• Office furniture
Energy
3.5.4. Use of insulation where possible.
3.5.5. Avoidance of unnecessary use of heat and light by switching off when rooms are unoccupied.
3.5.6. Preference for rechargeable batteries over non-rechargeable batteries.
3.5.7. Use of low energy, long life, light bulbs.
3.5.8. Preference for purchasing equipment with energy-saving features and environmentally-friendly materials.
3.5.9. Use of power-saving features on electronic equipment.
3.5.10. Use of energy supplier that offers ‘green’ energy from renewable sources.
3.5.11. Development of the use of renewable energies.
Maintenance & cleaning
3.5.12. All equipment and machinery is regularly serviced to ensure optimum efficiency and longevity.
3.5.13. Cleaning materials are bio-degradable, do not contain harmful solvents or propellants and have not been tested on animals.
3.5.14. All tissues and wipes are made of recycled material and contain no bleach or colouring.
Hazardous substances
3.5.15. Minimisation of the use of hazardous substances or techniques where alternatives are available.
Water
3.5.16. Use of recycled and collected rainwater where possible.
3.5.17. Conservation of water usage.
4. REVIEW
4.1. CoaST undertakes to review this policy on an annual basis, or more frequently whenever a major change or new operation is introduced.
4.2. CoaST will benchmark and then monitor its environmental impact, including its carbon footprint. The aim is to reduce the organisation’s carbon footprint year on year.
4.3. The organisation will communicate any modification of this policy to all employees.
