As well as setting out a series of goals and targets, our first environmental report defined some key areas for further development: Develop the Environmental Management System (EMS) Foster community-wide environmental awareness Obtain commitments from other business partners Develop a model "Green Estate" Reducing waste from various sources (this was reported in the previous section) Environmental Management System (EMS) We have made substantial progress with development of our EMS. Major achievements include: Compilation of database on environmental legislation Rolling out the Phase 1 of an electronic environmental information system (EnvIS) Inspection guides produced for 'front-line' inspection staff Seminars & training courses for professional and site supervisory staff Compilation of long-term targets and initiatives for the next four years Preparation of environmental emergency response plans Establishment of an Environmentally Responsible Procurement Policy Prepared corporate System and Procedure guidelines Emergency Response Plans Our operations pose only minimal risk of accidents which may cause a significant adverse effect on the environment. Nevertheless, we have adopted a proactive and precautionary approach to ensure that risks are minimised as far as practicable. We have carried out risk assessments of our construction activities and related business operations, and have identified potential environmental risks. Preventive measures will be incorporated into contract documents and contractors will be required to submit emergency response plans as part of their environmental management plans. Action plans to deal with environmental accidents will be provided to front-line staff to raise their awareness and preparedness. Relevant training will also be provided. The Environmental Manager has been appointed as the Event Controller to deal with environmental emergencies. Links with other departments will be set up to ensure effective communication, cooperation and coordination amongst departments in the event of a major accident which might cause significant impacts to the environment. Environmentally Responsible Procurement We have reviewed our current procurement practices, have assessed the environmental impact and associated risks of some commonly used products, and have surveyed the organisational and activity-based environmental performance of some typical contractors and service providers. We have established an Environmentally Responsible Procurement Policy that requires us to: Identify significant environmental impacts of materials and services in use. Purchase materials, goods and services to specifications that are compliant with relevant environmental legislation. Include environmental considerations in our purchasing decisions so that, if technically acceptable and economically viable, lower environmental impact goods and services are purchased. Assess the environmental commitment of suppliers, contractors and service providers as part of the tender evaluation process, and to reward the best environmental performers. Require contractors and service providers (where appropriate) to produce environmental management plans in their bids for work, and to evaluate the evidence of implementation as part of the supervision of works. Provide feedback and advice, and to facilitate training to key suppliers, contractors and service providers on environmental performance and improvement opportunities. Ensure that all our staff, as well as suppliers, contractors and service providers are aware of, and act in accordance with, the Environmental Procurement Policy and contribute to HA environmental objectives. Establish systems, targets and action plans for effective environmental procurement and regular reporting on performance. Action plans are being drawn up to ensure full implementation of the Policy. We are confident that this policy will produce significant environmental benefits through our purchasing power and our ability to influence others. We will arrange a system audit to identify areas for further development. Further actions planned for the next year include: Further implementation of EnvIS as an interactive tool for environmental data management Emergency communication system to be enhanced by incorporation of the environmental emergency response plans Environmental emergency action plans to be prepared for relevant staff; emergency event training to be provided to relevant staff EMS Training Courses. Roll out the corporate EMS Manuals and develop Branch-level Manuals Undertake selected environmental audits (yearly intervals) Hold training courses for our environmental management staff on environmental legislation, EMS implementation and environmental auditing Next Page >Back to Top 2001 Housing Authority. All rights reserved.