Environmental Policy

Birmingham Friends of the Earth, as a campaigning organisation against climate change, recognises that day-to-day operations can impact directly and indirectly the environment. We aim to pursue our strategic objectives by adopting best practice wherever possible to prevent pollution to air, land and water to protect the environment.

It is our commitment as it is to our staff, volunteers and other stakeholders to exceed the environmental legislation in order to promote environmental justice and sustainability. Managing our operations in an environmentally sustainable way, economically feasible and socially responsible is a core of our activities.

All staff, volunteers, and supporters are responsible for working towards the objectives contained within this policy.

• To promote sound environmental management policies throughout our activities.
• To establish targets to measure the continuous improvement in our environmental performance.
• To establish targets to measure the continuous improvement in our environmental performance.
• To involve volunteers, collaborators, clients, suppliers and other stakeholders in the implementation of our objectives.
• To contribute along with public and all concerned private bodies and organisations to develop policies and programmes that enhance the environmental awareness.

• To reduce greenhouse gas emissions in line with our targets.
• To implement a carbon management strategy, including the efficient use of energy.

Suggested Actions:

• Ensuring the uptake of low carbon technologies in our building and equipment.

Transport

• To improve the environmental efficiency of our transport and travel by all possible means.

• Promoting the use of cycling and walking as the main means to local meetings.
• Ensuring the use of public transport for the majority of journeys.
• Use telephone and video conferences for long-distance where possible.
• Do not make unnecessary journeys.
• Improving the environmental performance of vehicles when they are used by:
  • Drive smoothly and efficiently as harsh acceleration and heavy braking have a significant effect on fuel consumption.
  • Do not carry unnecessary weight and remove roof racks when not in use and car sharing wherever possible.
  • Ensure that tyres are inflated to the correct pressure for the vehicle.
  • Servicing the engine helps the engine to be at its best efficiency.

• To reduce water and energy use and minimise the use of energy in our all activities.
• To make efficient and environmentally responsible use of water, including identifying opportunities for water reuse.

• Lights and equipment will be switched on only when needed and not out of routine.
• If PCs are left on all day, switch off the monitors when away from desks for long periods of time, where the monitor alone consumes the most energy used by PC.
• Heating will be kept to a minimum and thermostat will be installed and regularly checked to ensure it is not set too high, thereby promoting the need to open windows.

• To minimise waste and increase recycling by implementing sustainable resource management practice, based on reduce, reuse and recycle.
• Promote environmentally responsible purchasing by thinking about what we buy and how we use it.

First manage it then use it:

• We will identify areas where waste is produced and what types of waste are being generated and the audit will provide ideas on how to tackle the problems.
• Avoid using disposal material and using durable material wherever possible.
• Paper probably the most used material especially when generated by over-ordering of publications and other printed items. We will:
• Reduce the circulation of printed documents by using e-mail.
• Always use both sides of paper.
• Recycle used paper where possible.
• Re-use envelopes for internal and informal mailing.
• Locate special containers to collect part-used waste paper.
• Purchasing policy of BoE must be considered when purchasing any items for our organisation.

Primarily, the general manager has the responsibility and authority to implement this policy. However, our staff, volunteers, tenants and all other stakeholders must demonstrate commitment to this policy at all times and are responsible for performing their duties in a consistent manner accordingly.

Evaluating our progress is an important aspect of implementing our environmental policy. Periodical reviewing of the environmental performance therefore is essential for continuous improvement.