Environmental Management Policy
Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts, February 2008
Our Organisation
The Australian Government Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts (the department) develops and implements national policy, programs and legislation to protect and conserve Australia's environment and heritage and to promote Australian arts and culture.
The Department's activities are largely office based. These offices are located in various areas around Australia, including in the Northern Territory, Tasmania and the Australian Capital Territory.
Scope
This policy covers the office-based operations of the department in Canberra, ACT. The department will maintain current certification for its site in Parkes, ACT and seek certification for additional key sites, to the International Standard for Environmental Management Systems ISO14001:2004
Our Environmental Management Commitment
Reflecting its role in the sustainable management and conservation of Australia's environment, the department is committed to minimising its own ecological footprint by pursuing environmental best practice and the prevention of pollution in office management and general operations.
Through a process of continual improvement the department aims to lead the Commonwealth public sector in efficient and effective environmental office practices, providing a role model for others to follow.
Through our philosophy of 'rethink, reduce, reuse, repair, and recycle' the department will:
- Identify, review and manage our environmental impacts, potential risks and opportunities for improvement
- Develop and implement environmental management programs to continually improve performance and realise opportunities for environmentally positive contribution
- Minimise waste-to-landfill, greenhouse gas emissions and other pollution, further reduce our consumption of power, water and natural resources and employ environmental considerations in purchasing decisions
- Incorporate environmental management considerations into our core business plans and management practices, including the preparation, fit-out and ongoing operation of accommodation arrangements
- Regularly monitor and report on our environmental performance
- Actively promote and encourage the adoption of ecologically sustainable work practices and operations within our organisation, with our clients, suppliers, the Australian Public Service and the general community
- As a minimum, comply with applicable legal and other requirements including relevant Government and Department policies
- Communicate this policy and other environmental management commitments to all staff and, make this policy available to the public on the Department's website
All managers are accountable for environmental performance in their areas of responsibility.
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