My Environmental Policy

[Aspire]

Originally i was worried about posting this as i though it may get stolen however i then took the view that they could do that anyway from my website and its the implementing of this thats important not the words.

Im interested in your feed back as to if i should be more specific i.e. only going on essential business appointments / recycled paper ink cartridges etc. or if its better as is which is more wide ranging.

Thanks for taking the time to look.

Tristan

Aspire Insurance Services recognises its corporate responsibilities toward the environment and believe in the importance of environmental protection.

We recognise that our business activities has a direct and indirect environmental impact, and endeavour to manage these in a responsible manner.

Aspire Insurance Services Limited aims to foster among its staff, suppliers, and clients an understanding of environmental issues in the context of its business.

Our objective is to ensure that we continually improve the environmental impact of our activities.

We will ensure that every aspect of our business activities is conducted in accordance with sound environmental practices.

We will achieve this by:

Minimising the consumption of natural resources and energy
Reducing the creation of waste by the adoption of improved operating practices and by the recycling of materials whenever practical
Complying with environmental legislation
Continually improving our environmental performance through the setting and review of realistic and achievable objectives
By implementing this policy Aspire Insurance Services Ltd recognises its responsibility towards protection of the environment, and issues this statement as a commitment of both management and employees to minimising the environmental impact of its business activities.

[katelj]

Hi Tristan,

This can be a tricky one, knowing how much detail to go into.

I think the general outlay is good but from a personal point of view I prefer to read something with more detail. E.g.

We recognise that our business activities has a direct and indirect environmental impact, and endeavour to manage these in a responsible manner -

How are you going to manage these?

We will achieve this by:

Minimising the consumption of natural resources and energy Again, how?

Reducing the creation of waste by the adoption of improved operating practices and by the recycling of materials whenever practical What procedures do you have in place? What materials do you recycle?

Complying with environmental legislation Any legislation in specific?

Continually improving our environmental performance through the setting and review of realistic and achievable objectives What objectives are you aiming for and on what timescale?

I don't think it hurts to be more specific and more people do take an interest in this kind of thing. Many larger companies now realise the importance of an environmental policy and showing their commitment to it.

Some companies are now taking part in carbon reduction/offset schemes which might be worth a look at.

Hope this helps. Sorry if it all sounds very critical - it's not meant to be!

Kate

[katelj]

Arrggghh! You nearly got the same post twice, damn computer froze!

[Aspire]

Thanks for taking the time to look, i thought that it might be a bit generic ill put more detail in explaining the hows and whys.

[Cornish Steve]

Originally i was worried about posting this as i though it may get stolen
Personally, I'd feel flattered if someone stole the text of my policy. It would mean I was on the right track. Plus, it would have no material impact on me, so why would I care? :)

[RayB]

I think Kate hit the nail on the head with an excellent post - basically you need to back up the "what we do" with "how we do it" (and why we do it if it needs explaining)

Also, if there is a customer BENEFIT to your policy make it stand out loud and clear.

Feel free to have a look at our Green Printing Policy (http://www.alocalprinter.com/uk/green-printing/) - it is geared to our business as Printers, but will give you some ideas hopefully :)

[katelj]

Cheers Ray :D

[Antonia @limeone.com]

Definately needs the hows and how much we save/conserve by doing it our way. I guess you need to determine if this is a sort of executive summary and maybe link it to a longer policy covering all the eco issues for those who are interested in the how elements.

[Aspire]

Ray your Green Office policy is excellent and very relevant. Thanks for comments.

[RayB]

Ray your Green Office policy is excellent and very relevant. Thanks for comments.

I'm delighted if it has helped!

I forgot to suggest that article, which you mention above - but maybe a useful link for others reading this thread as well: Green Office Policy (http://www.alocalprinter.com/uk/green-your-office/) - with some light hearted stuff thrown in too :)