MAKE YOUR FREE Environmental Policy
What we'll cover
What is an Environmental Policy?
When should I use an Environmental Policy?
Use this Environmental Policy to:
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provide information to employees about their roles and responsibilities
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improve cost control
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reduce incidents that result in liability
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conserve raw materials and energy
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improve your monitoring of environmental impacts
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improve the efficiency of your processes
Sample Environmental Policy
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ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY
recognises that it has a responsibility to the environment beyond legal and regulatory requirements. We are committed to reducing our environmental impact and continually improving our environmental performance as an integral part of our business strategy and operating methods.
Responsibility
, , is responsible for ensuring that this environmental policy is implemented, however, all employees have a responsibility in their area to ensure that the aims and objectives of this policy are met.
Policy Aims
We endeavour to:
- Comply with all relevant regulatory requirements.
- Continually improve and monitor environmental performance.
- Continually improve and reduce environmental impacts.
- Increase employee awareness.
Paper
We will:
Energy and Water
We will seek to:
Office Supplies
We will:
Transportation
We will:
Maintenance and Cleaning
We will:
Monitoring and Improvement
We will:
- Comply with all relevant regulatory requirements.
- Continually improve and monitor environmental performance.
- Continually improve and reduce environmental impacts.
Culture
We will:
- Update this policy at least once annually in consultation with staff and other stakeholders where necessary.
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About Environmental Policies
Learn more about making your Environmental Policy
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How to make an Environmental Policy
Making an Environmental Policy online is simple. Just answer a few questions and Rocket Lawyer will build your document for you. When you have all of the details prepared in advance, making your document is a quick and easy process.
To make your Environmental Policy you will need the following information:
Business details
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What is the name of the business?
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Who is responsible for ensuring the Environmental Policy is implemented?
Paper
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If applicable, regarding the use of paper, will you:
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Minimise the use of paper in the office?
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Reduce packaging as much as possible?
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Seek to buy recycled and recyclable paper products?
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Reuse and recycle all paper where possible?
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Energy and water
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If applicable, regarding energy and water, will you:
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Seek to reduce the amount of energy used as much as possible?
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Switch off electrical equipment when not in use?
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Adjust heating with energy consumption in mind?
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Take into account the energy consumption and efficiency of new products when purchasing them?
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Office supplies
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If applicable, regarding office supplies, will you:
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Evaluate whether the need for supplies can be met in another way?
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Evaluate if renting or sharing is an option before purchasing equipment?
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Evaluate the environmental impact of any new products you intend to purchase?
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Where possible favour more environmentally friendly and efficient products?
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Reuse and recycle everything you are able to?
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Transportation
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If applicable, regarding transportation, will you:
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Reduce the need to travel and restrict travel to necessary trips?
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Promote the use of travel alternatives (eg email or video/phone calls)?
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Make additional efforts to accommodate the needs of those using public transport or bicycles?
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Favour 'green' vehicles and maintain them to ensure ongoing efficiency?
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Maintenance and cleaning
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If applicable, regarding maintenance and cleaning, will you:
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Use cleaning materials that are as environmentally friendly as possible?
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Use materials that are as environmentally friendly as possible in any office refurbishments?
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Only use licensed and appropriate organisations to dispose of waste?
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Monitoring and improvement
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If applicable, regarding monitoring and improvement, will you:
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Incorporate environmental factors into business decisions?
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Increase employee awareness through training?
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Review the Policy and any related business issues at management meetings? How often will such management meetings be conducted?
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Staff and suppliers
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If applicable, regarding staff and suppliers, will you:
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Involve staff in the implementation of the Environmental Policy?
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Provide staff with relevant environmental training?
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Work with suppliers, contractors and subcontractors to improve their environmental performance?
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Use local labour and materials where available to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and help the community?
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Signatory
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Who will sign the Environmental Policy on behalf of the business?
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Common terms in an Environmental Policy
Environmental Policies help your business set out its commitment to managing its environmental impacts. As a result, an Environmental Policy will typically include:
Introduction
The start of the Environmental Policy explains that the business acknowledges and recognises its responsibility to the environment, which goes beyond the normal legal and regulatory requirements. As a result, this section provides a brief overview of the more thorough commitments made under this Policy.
Responsibility
This section sets out that all members of staff have a responsibility to comply with this Policy. However, it also names the specific employee responsible for ensuring the implementation of the Environmental Policy.
Policy aims
This section provides a brief overview of the business’ aims in adopting this Policy and what it endeavours to do.
Paper
If applicable, this section sets out the commitments the business makes with regard to the use of paper.
Energy and water
If applicable, this section sets out the commitments the business makes with regard to energy and water.
Office supplies
If applicable, this section sets out the commitments the business makes with regard to office supplies.
Transportation
If applicable, this section sets out the commitments the business makes with regard to transportation.
Maintenance and cleaning
If applicable, this section sets out the commitments the business makes with regard to maintenance and cleaning.
Monitoring and improvement
This section sets out the commitments the business makes with regard to monitoring and improvements to the business and its environmental impacts.
Culture
This section sets out the commitments the business makes with regard to staff and suppliers and the sustainability-related culture of the business.
If you want your Environmental Policy to include further or more detailed provisions, you can edit your document. However, if you do this, you may want a lawyer to review or change the Policy for you, to make sure it complies with all relevant laws and meets your specific needs. Ask a lawyer for assistance.
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Legal tips for making an Environmental Policy
Make sure to only make commitments that can realistically be met
An Environmental Policy sets out what a business wishes to achieve in relation to its environmental impact. It’s important that any goals are realistic and achievable. As a result, it is crucial that any commitments made in the Policy are ones that the business can realistically meet. There is no point in including commitments that your business simply won’t be able to meet.
Think beyond your Environmental Policy
It’s great to have an Environmental Policy in place and to successfully adopt and implement it. However, if you’re serious about managing your environmental impact and reducing environmental harm, consider what else can be done.
As an employer, consider what other steps you can take to be sustainable. For example, you may consider:
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encouraging staff to work from home by, for example, adopting a Working from home policy
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encouraging staff to cycle to work and helping them buy bicycles through the Cyclescheme
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making your premises more sustainable by switching to green energy providers
For more information, read How to create an environmentally sustainable workplace.
Understand when to seek advice from a lawyer
Ask a lawyer for further advice on:
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employees based outside England, Wales or Scotland
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risk management measures, including environmental insurance
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ways to manage your corporate social responsibility
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amending your Policy so that it meets your specific needs
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Environmental Policy FAQs
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What should an Environmental Policy include?
This Environmental Policy template covers:
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what the Environmental Policy intends to achieve
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who is responsible for implementing the Environmental Policy
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ways you can reduce your impact on the environment, such as managing your energy and water usage as well as being mindful of paper wastage
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the obligation to review and monitor the Environmental Policy
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the obligation to increase employee awareness through training
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Why do I need an Environmental Policy?
A good Environmental Policy shows your business is committed to working in a responsible manner and protecting the environment. It ensures you stay within the law and monitor your environmental impact, and keeps employees informed about their environmental roles and responsibilities. It also helps you manage your resources, achieve cost savings and promote more environmentally friendly practices.
For more information, read Environmental and sustainability policies.
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How can a business reduce its environmental impact?
Ways to minimise environmental damages include:
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reducing energy use - turning the lights off when leaving the office or having energy-efficient light bulbs is a good way to save energy
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reducing water use - checking for dripping taps and pipes or choosing an efficient flushing system in the facilities can reduce water use within the workplace
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minimising waste and recycling more - recycling bins and double-sided printing will help reduce the business' carbon footprint
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promoting the use of non-motorised transport - if possible, encourage staff to walk, cycle or share lifts to go to work.
For more information on how to minimise harm to the environment, read Environmental and sustainability policies, How to make your business environmentally sustainable and How to create an environmentally sustainable workplace.
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How can I improve the Environmental Policy over time?
Reviewing your Environmental Policy regularly, in line with your business needs and regulatory requirements, ensures the Policy is always up-to-date and consistent. Similarly, you can monitor your environmental practices and their effectiveness by regularly reviewing your Environmental Policy. Don't hesitate to get your staff involved in the reviewing and monitoring process, as this will raise their awareness of and commitment to solving environmental issues.
In all circumstances, it is a good idea to set regular review periods to ensure your Environmental Policy remains relevant and accurately reflects your business practices and needs. This Environmental Policy sets out that it will be reviewed at least once per year.
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How can employee awareness towards environmental issues be increased?
All employees should get involved in the development and implementation of the Environmental Policy. Making your Environmental Policy accessible to everyone (eg on the business' website) raises staff awareness and shows third parties how proactive your business is regarding environmental issues. Notice boards, staff meetings and intranet pages are also useful tools to communicate your Environmental Policy.
For more information, read How to create an environmentally sustainable workplace.
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