Environmental Policy
Environmental Policy
For
Wainfleet St Mary
Parish Council
May 2020
Next Review Date: July 2024
Wainfleet St Mary Parish Council
Environmental Policy
The Parish Council acknowledges that its activities may have an adverse impact on the environment and that it can take steps to minimise any such impact. We will strive to make a positive contribution to protecting and enhancing the local and global environment by implementing the following measures.
Reducing Waste
• Non-essential documents and e-mails will not be printed.
• We will use phone, e-mail or face-to-face discussion for communication wherever possible to reduce paper use.
• We will ensure that all waste is disposed of correctly and placed in the correct bins provided ( e.g. recycling or green waste bin).
Re-using items
• Whenever possible we will try to find a second life for unwanted items through local charitable re-use schemes or donations to local voluntary organisations.
• Envelopes, stationary and packaging will be re-used where possible.
Purchasing
• We will purchase fairly-traded goods where available and appropriate.
• We will strive to increase the proportion of goods and services purchased which are less harmful to the environment, within our financial limitations.
• Purchasing decisions will be based on a choice of materials or products that have the lowest environmental impact in production, transportation, use and disposal, provided they are fit for purpose.
Energy
• We will seek to minimise the use of energy in all our activities.
• New electrical goods purchased will be “A” rated where available, provided they are within budget.
• Any construction projects will conform to the highest sustainable design and construction standards possible within the available budget and will utilise reclaimed materials where possible
Water
• We will conserve water where possible.
Biodiversity
• We will endeavour to protect, restore and enhance biodiversity.
• When possible and appropriate, native, wildlife friendly species will be used for planting schemes.
Hazardous Materials and Chemicals
• We will take all possible measures to not expose the environment to chemicals that can harm people or nature.
This policy is supported by all Parish Council Members and staff. All new Members of the Parish Council and staff will be made aware of its existence and reminded they must conform with it at all times.
This policy will be reviewed and amended as required by the Parish Council on an annual basis.
Adopted by Wainfleet St Mary Parish Council
Signed .................................................................. Chairman
Signed .................................................................. Clerk
Date 12th June 2023
review 12th June 2024