Corporate report

GAD Environmental Policy Statement

Updated 8 November 2023

This policy sets out GAD’s environmental commitments.

Organisations are increasingly becoming aware of the environment in which they operate, for example, by availability of resources, air and water quality and the effects and impacts associated with climate change related to the organisation. Therefore, by committing to the protection of the environment, including prevention of pollution, the organisation is contributing to the sustainability of its business and society.

GAD recognises that good environmental management should be an integral and fundamental part of the business strategy, to pursue sustainability, continual improvement and the prevention of pollution.

Since 2009 GAD has met the international standard (ISO 14001) for its Environmental Management System (EMS). The EMS is a management toolkit that enables GAD to document procedures and continuously monitor progress in environmental performance through regular measurements, reviews and audits.

GAD recognises that its activities, products and services, and the way it chooses to deliver them, can have an impact upon the environment. By continuing to comply with ISO 14001, GAD aims to send a positive message to its employees and other stakeholders.

In line with the Greening Government Commitments, GAD will continue to commit to Net Zero by 2050, and will measure its carbon footprint, with continual changes being made to the quality of the data.

GAD is committed to:

Protecting the environment by:

• continually improving our performance, and the EMS by setting and reviewing annual objectives and targets, based on the latest Greening Government Commitments (2021-2025), and by other methods
• ensuring that we comply with all environmental legislation and regulations related to what we do, and meeting the requirements of all other policies and strategies
• monitoring the environmental outputs of GAD’s office accommodation
• conserving resources, particularly those which are scarce or non renewable, while still providing a safe and comfortable working environment
• managing our waste through reduction, re-use and recycling and by using refurbished and recycled products and materials where such alternatives are economical and suitable
• ensuring that, where practicable, goods and services purchased and used adhere to our environmental policy

The commitments above will be achieved by:

• raising awareness of the environment among our employees through specific training, performance information and publication of this policy to ensure all employees understand how they play their part
• communicating and consulting with staff, and other stakeholders and interested parties, on all environmental matters using guidance notes, email, intranet, internet and any other suitable methods
• reviewing, at least annually, our building and business operations with the aim of reducing the environmental impact of these activities to the lowest level practicable
• undertaking regular reviews and audits of the management system to assess its robustness and ensure it continues to be fit for purpose
• utilising the climate change group within GAD
• utilising various resources and advice for measuring GAD’s carbon footprint

The EMS will be maintained on behalf of the Management Board by the Environmental Management Representative and copies of this policy and other relevant documents will be made available on the department’s website and on the intranet. This policy will be reviewed annually as part of a management review of the EMS or after any significant changes.

Indrani Banerjee-Jones

Director of Finance & Operations

27 July 2023