ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT POLICY Documentation control Reference: Date Approved: Approving Body:
HS/EI/013 Trust Board
Implementation Date: Version:
Version 2
Supersedes:
Environmental Management Policy, Version 1
Consultation Undertaken:
Directorate of Estates and Facilities, Directors’ Group, ORC, Trust Health and Safety Committee. Date of Completion of Equality 13 January 2011 Impact Assessment Date of Completion of We Are 13 January 2011 Here for You Assessment Date of Environmental Impact 03 March 2011 Assessment (if applicable) Target Audience: All staff Supporting Procedures:
Environmental Management Procedure Review Date: May 2013 Lead Executive: Director of Estates and Facilities Author/Lead Manager: Mark Braden, Deputy Director of Estates and Facilities Management, Alberto Jaume, Environmental Services and Sustainable Development Manager Further Guidance/Information: Environmental Services and Sustainable Development Manager (ext. 76167)
Contents
1 POLICY AIMS
3
2 POLICY STATEMENT
3
3 DEFINITIONS
7
4 ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
7
5 MONITORING OF THE POLICY
11
6 EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY STATEMENT
11
7 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT
11
8 WE ARE HERE FOR YOU STANDARD MISSION STATEMENT
11
9 SUPPORTING PROCEDURES, GUIDANCE AND INFORMATION
12
10
REFERENCES
12
11
REVIEW
12
12
IMPLEMENTATION
12
13
APPENDIX A – EQUALITY IMPACT ASSESSMENT
13
14
APPENDIX B – CERTIFICATE OF EMPLOYEE AWARENESS
1
Environmental Management Policy Version 2 May 2011 2
1 Policy Aims 1.1 This policy sets out Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust’s approach and arrangements for Environmental Management. 1.2 The philosophy and approach set out in this Policy should be applied to the management of activities with a significant environmental impact. The policy’s objectives are: · To set the framework for Environmental Management in the Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust (The Trust). · To establish the Trust’s commitment to continually improve its environmental performance, thus minimising the impact of its activities on the environment as recognised by best practice.
2 Policy Statement 2.1 Environmental Management 2.1.1 The Trust is committed to incrementally / continually improve of its environmental performance. 2.1.2 The Trust accepts its responsibility to minimise, wherever possible, its impact on the environment and to comply with statutory environmental legislation and additional environmental requirements that the Trust has subscribed to. 2.1.3 The Trust will contribute towards the protection of the local, national and global environments through the development and implementation of a robust Environmental Management System. 2.1.4 The Trust acknowledges that in taking forward the Environmental agenda, “pollution prevention” will be the preferred and primary method for environmental improvement.
2.2 Energy 2.2.1 The Trust will strive to conserve energy wherever possible. It will undertake to use the minimum quantities of energy necessary, consistent with its primary role to deliver safe, high quality healthcare to its patients. Environmental Management Policy Version 2 May 2011 3
2.1.1 The Trust will continually review its use of energy resources and energy efficiency in order to continually reduce its carbon footprint, and in so doing minimise its environmental impact. 2.2.2 The Trust will carry out an ongoing programme of energy conservation by monitoring consumption and eliminating excessive or unnecessary use. 2.1.2 Energy performance will be measured and reported in terms of the reduction of the Trust’s carbon emissions.
2.3 Water 2.1.3 The Trust will wherever possible conserve water. It will undertake to use the minimum quantities of water necessary, consistent with its primary role to deliver safe, high quality healthcare to its patients. 2.3.1 The Trust will ensure that the water its uses is disposed of in accordance with, and where possible to exceed the statutory requirements concerning the quality of discharges. 2.3.2 The Trust will carry out an ongoing programme of water conservation by: · Monitoring consumption · Reducing leakage · Eliminating excessive or unnecessary use and · Identifying opportunities for reuse, recycling and where appropriate the use of rainwater harvesting.
2.4 Procurement 2.4.1 The Trust recognises that more than half of its carbon footprint arises from the embedded carbon emissions from the materials and services it purchases. 2.4.2 Through its purchasing policies the Trust will aim to conserve resources by identifying goods and services, which do least harm to the environment in their production, delivery, packaging, use, re use, recycling and disposal.
Environmental Management Policy Version 2 May 2011 4
2.4.3 The Trust is committed whenever possible to reduce the carbon emissions (carbon miles) embedded in the transportation of its purchased materials and services. 2.4.4 The Trust will encourage waste minimization from the procurement process by managing responsibly the perishable items in its inventory. 2.4.5 The Trust will encourage the exploration of the environmental impact from purchasing: (a) Single use versus (b) Reusable products where feasible, consistent with its primary role to deliver safe, high quality healthcare to its patients. 2.4.6 The Trust will use “Life Cycle Analysis” assessments to identify best value for money when purchasing new products and services.
2.5 Transport 2.5.1 The Trust will aim to mitigate the harmful effects of its transportation activities on the environment. 2.5.2 The Trust will promote sustainable transportation for business travel by improving its facilities to support this aim (for example: secure cycle parking stands) and liaising with relevant partners to improve the access infrastructure to the Trust to support sustainable transport options. 2.5.3 Trust controlled vehicles will be operated in such a way as to minimise their impact on the environment. 2.6 The Estate 2.6.1 The Trust will aim to develop and operate its buildings and physical estate to conserve resources and to minimise the environmental impacts. 2.6.2 The Trust will ensure that the environmental impacts of its buildings and Estaterelated projects will be assessed and minimised. This will include, where possible: · The use of building materials from sustainable sources, · Methods of construction which make best use of resources and minimise waste during construction and installation, Environmental Management Policy Version 2 May 2011 5
· Designs which result in low maintenance and high energy efficiencies, · Consideration of the possible adoption of energy micro generation from sustainable and low carbon sources (e.g. solar thermal collectors, solar photovoltaic panels, wind turbines, heat pumps, etc.)
2.7 Environmental awareness 2.7.1 The Trust will promote awareness of the importance of environmental management amongst its staff. To accomplish this, the Trust will: · Support the implementation its environmental policies and procedures; · Provide staff with knowledge, education and general awareness in environmental topics and practices; · Promote and develop the inclusion of environmental related content within Trust communications; · Sponsor environmental awareness campaigns. 2.8 Waste 2.8.1 The Trust will undertake to conserve resources by minimising its waste generation. 2.8.2 This objective will be addressed by reducing the acquisition of new materials, reusing existing materials where appropriate. If reuse or recycling are impractical, the Trust will dispose of materials in a way which will have least environmental impact and which conforms to the relevant Statutory Requirements and NHS Best Practice guidance (Ref. 10.1). 2.9 Carbon Footprint 2.9.1 The Trust is committed to do its part to achieve the carbon reduction national goals established in the Climate Change Act 2008. 2.9.2 The Trust will produce, implement and periodically review a strategy for carbon reduction aiming to reduce its carbon footprint by 10% by 2015 and 34% by 2020 from a 1990 baseline, as specified by the NHS England Carbon Reduction Strategy. Environmental Management Policy Version 2 May 2011 6
3 Definitions 3.1 Environmental Management System (EMS) An EMS is a system used for the management of an organization's environmental responsibilities in a comprehensive, systematic, planned, auditable and documented manner. 3.2 Pollution Prevention It is a pollution control strategy that seeks to reduce the amount of pollution generated by a process before and while it takes place, instead of managing the resulting pollutant after it is formed. 3.3 Life Cycle Analysis It is the process of evaluating the effects that a product has on the environment over the entire period of its life.
4 Roles and Responsibilities 4.1 The Trust Board delegates to the Chief Executive the responsibility to ensure this policy is implemented throughout the Trust. 4.2 The Chief Executive (CE) is responsible for ensuring compliance with the relevant statutory requirements relating to all aspects of environmental management that impact on the Trust. The CE delegates to the Director of Estates and Facilities the duty of monitoring the overall operation of the Trust is in compliance with all environmental legislation. The CE delegates to the Clinical Directors and Heads of Corporate Functions the duty to ensure the operation within their directorate are compliant with this Policy. 4.3 The Director of Estates and Facilities Management is responsible for: · The safe, efficient and effective operation of the Trusts estate, and will act as the day to day deal for environmental management. · Monitoring and ensuring the Trust is compliant with the relevant environmental legislation, as well as the required improvement Environmental Management Policy Version 2 May 2011 7
of the Estate infrastructure to achieve the goals and commitment set in this policy. · Producing and updating the Trust’s Carbon Reduction Strategy. 4.4 The Director of Finance and Procurement is responsible for: · Ensuring the standard financial instructions consider environmental performance as one of the aspects to assess to contribute in procurement decisions of products and services. · Ensure environmental performance is assessed using an agreed Life Cycle Analysis assessment methodology. · Ensuring that environmental impact of the procurement of goods and services is in line with current legislation and best practice guidance. 4.5 The Environmental Services and Sustainable Development Manager (ES&SD) is responsible for: · Monitoring the Trust’s compliance with UK Environmental legislation and to notify any breaches to the Trust’s Organisational Risk Committee along with an action plan to address the shortfall. · Auditing the delivery of any required solutions and any necessary records to evidence compliance. · Producing environmental awareness materials for staff and circulate these via existing communication channels . · Reporting on the environmental performance of the Trust to the ORC. · Advising on and updating the Trust’s Risk Register with all identified environmental risks. · Producing guidance on substances that must never be disposed down the drainage. · Produce guidance on carbon accounting to advice on procurement decisions. · Producing and communicating guidance on the evaluation of single used versus reusable items alternatives. · Report all breaches to Environmental Legislation to the Organisational Risk Committee. 4.6 The Energy Manager is responsible for · Monitoring and controlling energy consumption in the Trust. · Ensuring all building systems in the Trust (ventilation, heating, etc) operate efficiently preventing energy wastage. · Producing guidance on energy conservation where required. · Ensuring all heat production equipment (boilers, combined heat and power units, etc.) operate as efficiently as possible. Environmental Management Policy Version 2 May 2011 8
· Advising the capital department on energy aspects of new building projects. · Identifying the Trust’s potential resources of renewable energy and inform on how these will fit in the estates development agenda. · Identifying energy and carbon reduction opportunities aligned with the Trust’s carbon emissions reduction agenda. · Monitoring the Trust’s carbon footprint related to energy. 4.7 Clinical Directors and Heads of Corporate Functions are responsible for: · Ensuring all required documentation and records of evidence of environmental compliance produced directly by activities under their control are maintained safely in the work area (as requested by regulations). Consult the Environmental Management Procedures for further guidance. · Liaising with the ES&SD Manager to assess the compliance of its activities with the Environmental Regulations. Guidance on this activity is provided in the Environmental Management Procedures. · Assigning an “Environmental Representative” in their Directorate / Department to champion the topic and maintain records of compliance with Environmental legislation. · Seeking advice with the ES&SD Manager on the environmental performance of the processes under their control to improve them (example: reducing the amount of water, energy and other supplies) and produce a work plan to implement the changes. · To ensure the Life Cycle Analysis assessment is considered in major purchases in their department, making of environmental performance, aligned with the Trust’s objectives, a factor to consider in deciding among alternatives. · Liaise with other Heads of Department, Clinical Leads and Operational Managers to produce departmental environmental operational procedures where required. · Ensuring staff are provided with information and training as part of the various Trust Environmental Awareness Campaigns. 4.8 The Waste Supervisor has responsibility to: · Monitor and record waste production. · Report any incorrect segregation of waste identified to the responsible person (ward manager, head of department, etc.) and follow up the corrective actions implemented. · Verify waste is properly separated and collected in each area of the Trust. Environmental Management Policy Version 2 May 2011 9
· Escalate any compliance issues to the ES&SD Manager. 4.9 The Head of Logistics has the responsibility to: · Ensure all logistics vehicles are operated efficiently, in accordance to the Energy Conservation Procedures. · Ensuring all logistics staff engaged in waste collection and transportation activities are properly prepared on waste handling operations, and work according to the waste regulatory framework. 4.10 The Estates Operations and Maintenance Managers are responsible to ensure all buildings in the Trust are properly maintained to ensure their efficient performance reducing wastage of energy and water. 4.11 All Clinical Staff have a responsibility for the segregation of waste as indicated by the waste management policy and procedures. 4.12 All Department Managers have responsibility to: · Ensure all the staff in the area are aware of and follow the guidance and procedures related to energy conservation, waste segregation, and any other environmentrelated activity. · Report to Estates and Facilities any problems in the ward related to the heating system, ventilation system, waste segregation, water wastage (leaks) and physical condition in the area with an environmental impact (example: broken windows). · Inform Estates and Facilities Management about any change in the use of rooms in their management area. · Ensure that pharmaceuticals, antibiotics, oils, and similar substances used in their areas are not disposed down the wastewater drainage. 4.13 The Transport Strategy Group is responsible for proposing infrastructure projects that encourage sustainable / alternative methods of commuting for staff, visitors and patients. 4.14 The Head of Capital Services is responsible for: · Ensuring all capital developments and refurbishments specify adequate environmental and energy performance and compliance with best practice. · Specify (where feasible) sustainable methods and materials of construction for new buildings and refurbishments. · Ensure all construction projects are carried out in accordance in accordance with relevant environmental regulations. Environmental Management Policy Version 2 May 2011 10
4.15 All staff in the Trust are responsible for: · Safeguarding the environment by following the relevant procedures and following guidelines designed to minimise the environmental impact of their activities. · Preventing unnecessary waste of resources (energy, water, supplies, etc.) · Ensure they dispose waste correctly.
5 Monitoring of the Policy 5.1 The implementation of this policy will be monitored periodically by: · Auditing for evidence of progress and compliance on the different areas of environmental concern. · Measuring performance on energy use, waste production, water used, etc. · Reporting to ORC any breach to legislation. · Records of the delivery of any training, · Updates in the Risk Registers · Reviewing the delivery of action plans · Annual report denoting progress and performance
6 Equality and Diversity Statement 6.1 All patients, employees and members of the public should be treated fairly and with respect, regardless of age, disability, gender, marital status, membership or nonmembership of a trade union, race, religion, domestic circumstances, sexual orientation, ethnic or national origin, social & employment status, HIV status, or gender reassignment.
7 Environmental Impact Assessment 7.1 This policy is a guide on the environmental aspects to be considered in the Trust activities to minimise the environmental impact by reducing wastage of energy, water, resources, and establishing compliance with environmental legislation as the minimal level of performance. The policy intends to reduce stress to the environment; hence its impact is positive.
8 We Are Here For You standard mission statement Environmental Management Policy Version 2 May 2011 11
8.1 This Trust is committed to providing the highest quality of care to our patients, so we can pledge to them that ‘we are here for you’. This Trust supports a patient centred culture of continuous improvement delivered by our staff. The Trust established the Values and Behaviours programme to enable Nottingham University Hospitals to continue to improve patient safety, outcomes and experiences. The set of twelve agreed values and behaviours explicitly describe to employees the required way of working and behaving, both to patients and each other, which would enable patients to have clear expectations as to their experience of our services.
9 Supporting procedures, guidance and information 9.1 9.2 9.3 9.4 9.5 9.6 9.7 9.8
Control of Contractors policy Waste Management Policy Carbon Reduction Strategy Sustainable Development Strategy Energy Management Policy Energy Conservation Procedure Vehicle Management policy Environmental Management Procedure
10 References 10.1 Health Technical Memorandums 07 Series (HTM 07)
11 Review 11.1 This policy will be reviewed every three years or when there are changes to legislation which impact on the policy’s effectiveness.
12 Implementation 12.1 Executive/Clinical Directors are responsible for the implementation of this policy at a directorate level and ensuring its ongoing effectiveness.
Environmental Management Policy Version 2 May 2011 12
13 Appendix A – Equality Impact Assessment Equality Impact Assessment Report 1. Name of Policy or Service Environmental Management Policy 2. Responsible Manager John Simpson 3. Name of person Completing EIA Alberto Jaume 4. Date EIA Completed 11 January 2011 5. Description and Aims of Policy/Service (including relevance to equalities) This policy establishes the position of the Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust regarding the management of its Environmental Responsibilities. The policy aims to: · Set the criteria for the responsible use of different resources in the Trust. · Set the requirements for an environmental management system · Reduce the environmental impact of the Trust. 6. Brief Summary of Research and Relevant Data There is no research or relevant data at the present time. 7. Methods and Outcome of Consultation There was no need for consultation due to the nature of the policy. The assessment was done by answering the Screening Grid. 8. Results of Initial Screening or Full Equality Impact Assessment: Equality Group Assessment of Impact Age None Gender None Race None Sexual Orientation None Religion or belief None Disability None Dignity and Human Rights None Working Patterns None Social Deprivation None Environmental Management Policy Version 2 May 2011 13
9. Decisions and/or Recommendations (including supporting rationale) From the information contained in the policy, it my decision that a full assessment is not required at the present time. The policy focuses in the responsible use of resources in the Trust and compliance with relevant environmental legislation, and where staff is motioned as contributors for the implementation of the policy, no distinction is made per equality area. 10. Equality Action Plan (if required) N/A 11. Monitoring and Review Arrangements (including date of next full review) It is recommended that this policy and EIA be reviewed every three years in line with the guidelines set out in this policy. Next Review date: May 2014
Environmental Management Policy Version 2 May 2011 14
Screening Grid Equality Area
Gender
Race
Disability Age Sexual orientation
Key Equalities Legislation / Policy Is this policy Assessment of Potential Impact: or service HIGH RELEVANT MEDIUM to this LOW equality NOT KNOWN area? YES/NO Positive (+) Negative () Sex Discrimination Act 1975 Equal Pay Act 1970 No Equalities Act 2006 Gender Recognition Act 2004 Race Relations Act 1976 Race Relations (Amendment) Act No 2000 Disability Discrimination Act 1995 and 2005 Age Regulations 2006
Equalities Act 2006 Relevant employment legislation Religion Equalities Act 2006 and beliefs Relevant employment legislation
No No No No
Reasons for Assessment
Social Neighbourhood Renewal Strategy Deprivation Tackling Health Inequalities Local Area Agreement Dignity and Human Rights Act 1998 (relevant Human articles) Rights Working The Parttime Workers (Prevention Patterns of Less Favourable Treatment) Regulations 2000
No
No
No
Environmental Management Policy Version 2 May 2011 2
14 Appendix B – Certificate of Employee Awareness Document Title Version (number) Version (date)
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT POLICY 2 11 April 2011
I hereby certify that I have: · Identified (by reference to the document control sheet of the above policy/ procedure) the staff groups within my area of responsibility to whom this policy / procedure applies. · Made arrangements to ensure that such members of staff have the opportunity to be aware of the existence of this document and have the means to access, read and understand it. Signature Print name Date Directorate/ Department The manager completing this certification should retain it for audit and/or other purposes for a period of six years (even if subsequent versions of the document are implemented). The suggested level of certification is: · Clinical directorates general manager · Non clinical directorates deputy director or equivalent. The manager may, at their discretion, also require that subordinate levels of their directorate / department utilize this form in a similar way, but this would always be an additional (not replacement) action.