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Environmental Sustainability, Sustainable Development and Resource Management — Reducing the Carbon Footprint (Wales) Policy

Introduction

This policy is written in line with the requirements on care providers, as with all businesses, to be mindful of both UK and Wales government policies and objectives to counteract global warming and develop sustainable environments by reducing carbon emissions and finding alternative sources of energy to fossil fuels.

The policy follows the five principles of environmental sustainability as set out in the Environment Act 2021, which applies to England and Wales, ie the:

• integration principle, which reflects {{org_field_name}}’s commitment to protect the environment as much as possible within the boundaries of its responsibilities as a care provider
• prevention principle: which reflects {{org_field_name}}’s commitment to avoiding causing environmental harm wherever there are risks of it
• rectification at source principle: wherever as a care provider we identify and assess risks of causing environmental harm, we will act to remove the risks or any harm done as a priority
• polluter pays principle: we accept that if we do cause environmental harm we should pay for it
• precautionary principle: as an organisation, we will continue to assess all possible risks of our causing environmental harm and control them in appropriate and proportionate ways.

It also reflects {{org_field_name}}’s commitment to implementing the Welsh Government’s policies on environmental protection and sustainable development as reflected, for example, in the Well-being of Future Generations Act 2015, Environment (Wales) Act 2016, Natural Resources Policy and the White Paper on Environmental Principles, Environmental Governance and Biodiversity Targets (2024), which forms the framework for future legislation.

Policy Statement

This care provider considers that environmental issues such as pollution, waste management, energy and water conservation, transport issues and the recycling of resources, should be important items on the agenda of the modern employer.

{{org_field_name}} recognises that it has a duty to act in a responsible, sustainable and ethical way and to work towards contributing to nationally agreed environmental objectives.

The aim of such sustainable development is to maintain the quality of the environment, both now and for generations to come. This includes:

• the conservation of energy, wood, paper, horticulture and water
• the reduction of pollution, especially pollution by ozone depleting substances, vehicle emissions, asbestos, hazardous substances, batteries, solvents and paints, biodegradables and litter
• the procurement of supplies and resources from renewable or environmentally friendly sources
• responsible waste management.

Key Actions

To improve its environmental and resource management, and to ensure that all of its activities and developments are as sustainable as possible, {{org_field_name}} will:

• adopt and implement an environmental and sustainable development policy which will be agreed with all members of staff
• ensure that all organisations from whom {{org_field_name}} procures and purchases goods and services will be asked if they too have similar policies
• gradually move its systems of procurement to the most environmentally friendly sources
• conduct a regular audit of its processes and wastes to identify areas where it can commit to long-term waste reduction targets
• reduce waste levels by reusing whatever can be reused
• develop a recycling system in collaboration with local authorities, other local businesses and waste disposal organisations, particularly in regard to materials such as paper, tins, glass, plastic, cardboard and other packaging
• recycle printer ink cartridges and consumables wherever possible
• dispose of all electrical equipment according to the directive on Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (the WEEE Directive), including such things as computer equipment, fridges and freezers
• use energy efficient and low power equipment wherever possible
• ensure that all buildings, pipes and lofts are properly insulated and maintained in such a way as to be as energy efficient as possible
• conserve power and water by encouraging staff to:
  • turn off non-essential lights and power sources when not in use
  • keep windows and doors closed when using heating
• report and repair malfunctioning thermostats on radiators and dripping taps immediately
• only use as much water as is necessary
• reduce the harmful effects of car exhausts and congestion by maintaining vehicles in good condition and by cutting back on unnecessary journeys wherever possible
• ensure that potentially dangerous substances are used as little as possible and are disposed of properly
• ensure that staff are trained to comply with these policies.

Training

All staff are made aware of {{org_field_name}}’s commitment to environmental sustainability, sustainable development and the importance of careful management of resources.

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Responsible Person: {{org_field_registered_manager_first_name}} {{org_field_registered_manager_last_name}}

Reviewed on: {{last_update_date}}

Next Review Date: {{next_review_date}}

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