Environmental Management System
In November 2004 we became the first UK Fire service to achieve registration to
ISO 14001:2004 for our Environmental Management System. This applies specifically
to our HQ, Training & Development Academy and Croxteth Community Fire Station.
Two further audits of the system have subsequently been undertaken, the next being
due in December 2007.
The Environmental Policy - has committed us to continually improving
our environmental performance through the use of an �Environmental Management System�
(EMS). This has helped us to bring together many new and existing environmental
initiatives, such as:
- Waste minimisation.
- Double glazing, roof and boiler replacement programmes.
- Introduction of site specific travel plans to help employees get to work without
relying on the car.
- Use of a procurement policy which helps evaluate the performance of suppliers, in
relation to health, safety & the environment.
- Quantifying consumption of energy, water and production of carbon dioxide (CO2)
emissions.
The EMS helps us to manage all these initiatives and more, in a systematic and cost
effective way, whilst also working towards continuous improvement.
The Register of Legislation � identifies and records all environmental
legislation and other obligations applicable to the organisation to ensure compliance.
The Register of Environmental Aspects/Impacts � is a comprehensive
analysis of the organisation�s impact on the environment through its activities.
It works in conjunction with the register of legislation by identifying where improvement
is required or has been met to ensure compliance. It also provides the information
needed to generate the objectives and targets for the next 12 � 18 month period.
Other Requirements of the System - in addition to the basic features
outlined above there are specific requirements centred on the following areas:
System Procedures � developed to control environmental impacts
and key elements of the EMS � e.g. waste management, emergency response or �green
purchasing� procedures etc.
Training � procedures are in place to ensure the training needs
of staff who have specific responsibility or work with polluting substances.
Awareness Raising � it needs to be brought to all staff�s attention
that an EMS exists and what the Service is trying to achieve in reducing its environmental
impact.
Data Collection Records � for energy and fuel consumption, carbon
dioxide releases, waste generated, water consumption etc.
Internal Audit Programme � periodically audit all elements of the
EMS to ensure that it remains compliant and effective.