Environmental Policy

Environmental Policy

Autonomy Care Group believes 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. The group believes 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 group understands that 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.

Measures

In order to improve its environmental management and to ensure that all of its activities and developments are as sustainable as possible, the group will:

adopt and implement an environmental policy which will be agreed with all members of staff
ensure that all organisations with whom the group contracts with and purchases from will be asked if they too have similar policies and the group will gradually move its systems of procurement to more 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.

All new staff should be encouraged to read this policy as part of their induction process.

The group ensures continued compliance with all regulatory legislation and applicable quality standards.