Policies

INGHAM 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 emails will not be printed.
• We will use phone, email or face to face discussion for communication wherever possible to reduce paper waste.

Re-using Items

• Envelopes and stationary will be re-used where possible.

Purchasing

• We will try to increase the proportion of goods and services purchased which are less harmful to the environment, within our financial limits.
• Purchasing decisions will be based on a choice of materials or products that have the lowest environment impact in production, transportation, use and disposal, provided they are fit for purpose.
• Where possible, purchase from local or regional suppliers, in order to maximise input to the local community and minimise carbon emissions from transport.

Energy

• We will seek to minimise the use of energy in all our activities.
• New electrical goods purchased will be ‘A’ rated where available, provide 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.
• Where 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 it’s existence and reminded they must conform with it at all times.

The policy will be reviewed and amended as required by the Parish Council on an annual basis.