Posted By NatashaL Hi I have been asked to create an environmental policy for our workplace. We are a training provider so most of our activities are classroom based. We also have a swimming pool within our facilities for training activities. I was wondering if anoyne could help me with reference of what to include or have any policies they might want to share with me. Thanks Natasha

Posted By Alexander Falconer Natasha/Andrew - dont make the same mistake many H&S practitioners make and generate the policy first. What I would suggest is that you both identify the processes which you operate, and have an impact onto the environment. For a training provider, this will be minimal, but could include WASTE (paper, printer/copier consumables, electricity, water) - dont think you would use any chemicals or oils, ENERGY (electricity, gas, fuel), USE OF WATER, PROCUREMENT OF PRODUCTS(from non sustainable sources), ORGANISATION (arrangements to manage your Environment Policy), it would be very unlikely you would contribute to pollution in terms of discharges to drain (unless you have ownership a public/employee car park, even at this, would be minimal), emissions to atmosphere would also be unlikely. There is so much to look at, best bet you could do is have a look at the Envirowise website, there is so much free information which will help you, waste mapping, case studies, publications, videos, software, etc Once you identify your impacts, things become more clearer and you will be in a better position to generate your Environment Policy. There is no point in stating that your company aims to prevent pollution, if your processes do not pullute in the first place. I am sure you will get the drift.