Environment Policy
Board Policy No: B6000/6
Management Policy No: M
Prepared By: Environmental Action Committee
Title: Environment
Authorised By: Board
Issue Date: 29 September 2009
Version Number: 4
1. Purpose: To affirm the ongoing commitment of the Metropolitan Fire and Emergency Services Board (MFB) to the principles of environmental responsibility and sustainability of resources.
2. Scope: This policy applies to all MFB related activities and operations.
3. Refer:
- Environment Protection Act 1970
- Australian/New Zealand Standards ISO 14001:2004
- Australian/New Zealand Standards ISO 14004:2004
- Metropolitan Fire Brigades Act 1958, Section 55
- Emergency Management Manual Victoria, Part 6
- MFB operational procedures and guidelines
- Other legislation, guidelines and codes of practice as they arise from time to time.
4. Responsibility:
CEO and Executive Management
The Chief Executive Officer and Directors are responsible for demonstrating leadership in compliance with this policy and ensure the business has the capability and support to implement it.
Environmental Action Committee
The Environmental Action Committee is responsible for establishing organisational policies and strategies to ensure that the objectives of this policy are implemented.
Managers and Supervisors
Managers and Supervisors at all levels are responsible for demonstrating leadership within the scope of their authority, and for ensuring that the objectives of this policy are implemented via departmental plans and activities.
Employees and Contractors
Employees and contractors are responsible for carrying out their duties in a manner which minimises harm and improves environmental performance.
5. Definitions: n/a
6. Policy: The Metropolitan Fire and Emergency Services Board (MFB) is a statutory authority within the Department of Justice, responsible for providing emergency response, fire suppression and prevention services in the Metropolitan Fire District.
The MFB is committed to maintaining a healthy, safe and sustainable community and environment. We aspire to reducing environmental impacts of all MFB activities including facilities management, fleet management, procurement, training and fire fighting operations.
Specifically we will seek to:
- reduce the consumption of water and energy resources and avoid the generation of waste and greenhouse gas emissions from all MFB activities
- increase the use of renewable energy in buildings and recycled water used in training and fire fighting
- deploy response strategies when attending an emergency situation to minimise the impact of the emergency and our response on the environment.
Across all areas of business, the MFB will:
- uphold our responsibility to protect life property and the environment and meet all relevant legislative and regulatory requirements
- comply with Victorian Government environmental policies
- identify and monitor our significant environmental aspects and establish achievable objectives and targets
- regularly review and report on our environmental management and performance, both internally and externally
- consider environmental impacts when we purchase products and services and encourage our suppliers and contractors to meet high standards of environmental management and performance
- strive to lead by example, promoting best practice and driving sustainable outcomes in our operations and in our community
- create a climate of transparency and establish strategic partnerships with other agencies and key environmental stakeholders.
7. Documentation: n/a
8. Verification: n/a
THIS DOCUMENT IS UNCONTROLLED WHEN PRINTED