Environmental Management Policy

Policy Purpose and Scope

We recognise that Scottish Enterprise (SE) has a responsibility to the environment and we will take positive steps to address the environmental impacts of our internal business operations. We also recognise that this will only be achieved through good environmental management. SE also recognises that staff must be aware of their individual responsibilities and that they are actively engaged and committed to improving standards of environmental management in all its work activities.

This policy sets out the aims and core responsibilities for environmental management across all Scottish Enterprise offices.

Policy Aims

Our policy aims to:

  • minimise SE’s impact on the environment by reducing its consumption of materials, that we recycle more and that we re-use wherever possible;
  • reduce consumption and costs whilst satisfying our needs for resources such as energy and water;
  • integrate a consistent approach to environmental matters across SE;
  • promote best practice across the organisation; and
  • continually improve the environmental performance of SE.

Environmental Management

We will:

  • developed an environmental management structure across SE that establishes a consistent approach amongst all business units;
  • collate data on environmental variables to establish a baseline and to set environmental targets;
  • encouraged modes of transport, which minimise environmental impact as far as is operationally possible;
  • identify and implemented cost effective energy and water conservation measures.
  • reduce the amount of waste generated and disposed of by implementing a waste minimization/recycling programme
  • establish action plans for our premises and allocate resources where practicable to help meet our environmental targets;
  • ensure that staff are made aware of their roles and responsibilities with regard to environmental management;
  • conduct regular environmental site audits (both waste and energy/water).
  • reviewe the environmental management system on a regular basis, including the auditing of targets; and will:
  • align our processes and procedures with ISO 14001 and will review the appropriateness of accreditation in the future.

Education and Awareness

We will continue to:

  • increase awareness of environmental responsibilities amongst staff through the intranet and staff briefing processes
  • support staff in self managed “Green Teams”
  • provide training where necessary.

Roles and Responsibilities

Chief Financial Officer

The Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Information Services will champion corporate environmental issues at a senior management level.  

Corporate Services Director

The Senior Director, Corporate Services is responsible for co-ordinating the development of the environmental policy and for overseeing its implementation throughout the organisation.

Scottish Enterprise Senior Directors

  • ensure that appropriate management time is given to managing and reviewing the environmental impact of their Regions/Directorates;
  • ensure that the Regional Offices environmental actions plans are produced and reviewed every six months;
  • ensure that environmental matters are communicated to staff; and
  • SDI Geography Directors will ensure compliance with local environmental legislation

Scottish Enterprise Staff

Our staff have a responsibility to support the environmental policy, contribute to the achievement of objectives and targets, and otherwise participate in the successful implementation and operation of the environmental management system

Monitoring and measurement

The Health, Safety and Environmental Governance Committee will monitor and measure the environmental impacts against our annual targets.

Targets and Reporting

We will establish appropriate annual environmental targets against four key areas to:

  • reduce waste and recycle more;
  • reduce energy and utilities usage;
  • reduce the environmental impact of necessary staff travel; and
  • increase staff involvement

Policy review and audit

The Health, Safety and Environmental Manager will:

  • ensure that this Policy and related guidance are regularly reviewed.
  • monitor and report on the effectiveness of these arrangements.