Environmental Policy

Vision Statement
The Southport Eco Visitor-Centre is a unique gateway for travel into Southport. The Centre is a practical demonstration of sustainable design, it provides engaging educational resources about transport, tourism and energy.

As such the Centre strives to make environmental awareness and responsibility an integral part of operating practice. This housekeeping policy sets out an initial agenda in order to progress that delivery in the day-to-day operation of the Centre.

Energy and Water Use
The energy used on site is predominantly generated from on-site renewable energy, there will be rare occasions when this needs to be supplemented by grid supply. It is anticipated that the net impact will be carbon neutral. Where excess is produced the Eco Centre will sell locally to gain the most efficient use of the renewable resource.

Office Equipment
This includes switching off computers when not being used for extended periods, including lunch periods. The photocopiers have automatic energy saving settings and use of double sided printing should be employed where appropriate.

Lighting
As much as possible use of natural light is maximised. Lights should be switched off in rooms, which are not being used. Lighting for security reasons whilst not desirable must be sourced from renewable sources provided on site. Incorrect operation of lighting controls should be reported to the building services manager as soon as identified.

Heating
The central heating system is controlled by the building energy management system (BEMS) which will reduce unnecessary heat losses. However, good practice should be promoted by keeping doors and windows closed and stopping draughts when the heating or cooling is in use.

Water
The use of water on the site is strictly controlled through minimising consumption in the operation of the public conveniences. In addition the use of recycled rainwater is used for flushing. Staff should notify maintenance teams as soon as they identify water leaks or drips. In addition, staff make an effort to reduce the amount of water used for tea making and washing in the galley.

Transport
Cars
As much as is possible we try to limit the use of cars in making journeys to venues away from the office. Car sharing should be practised between staff wherever possible. Walking and cycling to work is encouraged as is the use of the Park and Ride Bus.

Public Transport
Where possible, when travelling to meetings and conferences, staff use both the local and regional networks.

Waste/recycling
Paper
There are three main activities to do with paper. Recycled paper is preferred for the letters, factsheets and reports sent out. Double-sided printing is the preferred option for presenting materials. One-sided paper is re-used wherever possible for internal purposes. Also envelopes are either used again for general office mail or recycled. Finally, waste paper is sorted and is collected by a local recycling company.

Compost
The ability to recycle food waste such as fruit, teabags and leftovers by using the compost bin in the Sustainability Garden is provided and should be exploited both by staff and by any external caterers.

Other waste
Foil and old stamps are collected and used for charity. Printer cartridges should be sent off for re-use, where possible and sourced from such outlets. Metal cans and glass should be saved and disposed and of at nearby recycling centre.

Other Issues
The operation of the Centre should embrace sustainability values and community involvement and where not defined a reasonable cause of action should be considered.

Purchasing
Where possible and subject to Council procurement procedures all items purchased will consider environmental impacts as well as fit for purpose and price. Lifetime assessments should be considered. Where appropriate and useful reused or recycled furniture should be sought including shelving, tables and chairs, (items that might otherwise have been dumped). Consideration of the green purchasing guidelines should be adopted.

Cleaning
It is essential that where products are purchased for the cleaning of the Centre that they are selected on environmental impact and ability to perform the task.

Campaigns
The Centre will support environmental campaigns (with particular reference to local initiatives) that further the cause of sustainability (subject to approval by the Elected members of the Council).
Review

This policy is reviewed and up-dated on an on-going basis.

Signed

Mike McSorley
Assistant Director Technical Services
Reviewed 2008