Revised and updated 1st April 2018
1. Policy Statement
This Community Interest Company recognises that its operations have an effect on the local, regional and global environment. Our whole approach is about Community Development: to bring about change in society, in communities, in groups and in individuals that include positive change with regard to any impact we have on environmental issues. As a consequence, the organisation is committed to continuous improvements in its environmental performance, the prevention of pollution, the support of the local community. Environmental regulations, laws and codes of practice will be regarded as setting the standards for environmental performance.
2. Implementation
Our policy will ensure that it:-
- is appropriate to the nature and environmental impacts of our activities/services
- includes a commitment to continuous improvement
- includes a commitment to comply with relevant legislation
- includes a framework for reviewing performance
- is communicated to all members(paid and unpaid) via our website) and to the communities we work with, where appropriate
3. Responsibility for Purchases and Use
Wherever possible SWCAA will consider the environmental impacts of the products it uses or purchases –their nature and content and disposal.
- Resource Use: We will endeavour to conserve resources by encouraging our members to avoid waste, to recycle and to compost waste material. This shall include reducing our energy and water use by encouraging re-use, water butts and the monitoring of products we purchase.
- Waste Management: A primary part of the organisation’s environmental strategy is sustainable waste management and as such we recognise our responsibilities to recycle materials wherever possible. We will minimise waste, especially hazardous waste and will encourage disposal of all waste (e.g. asbestos and tin) through safe and responsible methods. We will recycle all waste paper which will be shredded and composted, also our stamps and ink cartridges which will be given to local a local school. This policy reinforces the exclusion clauses in our Public Liability insurance which removes protection from irresponsible use of chemicals, and from seepage into water courses.
- Purchasing: Wherever possible and appropriate the organisation will purchase recycled goods. The organisation will stock ‘Fair Trade’ goods (tea & coffee etc.) in its office and will serve the same there to all visitors and at meetings. The organisation will endeavour to purchase goods that will contribute to sustaining the local community.
4. Working in the Community
SWCAA aims to raise the environmental awareness of the communities it works with, particularly among young people. We will encourage and actively support local communities to become involved in and undertake local environmental projects. E.g. project Breathing Spaces.
5. Audit
SWCAA will conduct an annual self-evaluation of its performance in implementing these principles.