Following New Zealand’s commitment to the UN Sustainable Development
Goals, Central and Local Government will require all procurement processes
to demonstrate Environment and Sustainability policies and procedures. This
commitment is being followed by Iwi and businesses alike. The requirement
will mean that if you wish to work with these organisations you must produce
evidence of environmental and sustainability policies and actions.
What is an environmental policy?
An environmental policy outlines how your business aims to reduce the impact
on the environment from work carried out.
Many businesses are already practicing controls to ensure the environment is
being protected.
• The use of spill kits and correct controls while using and disposing hazardous
substances.
• Completing earthworks ensuring that there is minimal impact to plantings,
waterways nearby, the natural landscape, air and neighbors.
• Purchasing energy efficient or environmentally friendly products.
• Having a recycling program
The next step is creating formal policies that outline the business intentions and to produce evidence of the procedures and controls used to reduce their environmental impact.
What is a sustainability policy?
A sustainability policy outlines how your business thinks and implements actions to create sustainability for People, Profit and Planet (Social, Economic and Environmental).
By having a sustainability policy in place a company is showing their commitment to creating a sustainable future and creating strategies that reflect sustainable social, economic and environmental actions.
By having positive environmental and sustainability strategies a company only needs to change its thoughts, actions and document the processes of how they achieve their results.
This Conservation Week, plan and discuss ways that your company
can improve your environmental and sustainable practices.