Environment
The MFB's environmental program is driven by our long term strategy to achieve the Victorian Government Environmental Targets. It is focussed on reducing the impact of MFB facilities, fleet and firefighting operations on the environment.
MFB environmental commitments
1. Integrating environmental thinking into all business processes
2. Increasing employee awareness and reducing demand on natural resources
3. Reducing MFB water use by 15% in 2010 compared to 2005
4. Achieving 80% recovery of waste for recycling by 2014
5. Responding to climate change -60% reduction in carbon emissions by 2050, 20% renewable energy by 2020 and being prepared for the impacts of climate change
MFB environmental actions
- Solar hot water systems installed in selected fire stations
- 5 star Green Training College Building at Burnley
- Purchase 15% accredited Green Power
- Purchase of fire appliances with highest emission standards
- Operational Climate Change Adaptation Project
- Recycled paper purchased for all sites
- Commingled recycling at all sites
- Approved use of Class A recycled water for fire fighting
- Innovative Smart Water Pod, developed to recycle water during station training drills
- Installation of water efficient fittings at fire stations
- Installation of rainwater tanks at fire stations
MFB and climate change
The MFB recognises that needs relating to weather and climate events are changing.
The organisation has responded to a number of significant weather related events in the last two years (for example the 7 February 2009 Black Saturday bushfires, the February 2009 heatwave and the April 2008 windstorm).
The MFB is in the process of evaluating its capacity to respond to these types of events in order to plan and prepare for climate change.
MFB and ResourceSmart
In 2008, the MFB successfully completed Sustainability Victoria’s ResourceSmart program for change. The program was focussed on ensuring Victorian Government agencies are leading by example in environmental management and reporting.