Environmental Policy

Scope

The scope of this Policy covers the responsibilities associated with the company’s EMS and applies to all employees across the organisation. Policies cover Resource Management, Water, Biodiversity, Waste and Recycling, Energy Consumption, Air Pollution, Legal Compliance, Sustainable Procurement, and employees’ roles in implementing these policies.

Applicability

This policy applies to all personnel involved with any activities covered by the above scope. Unless otherwise stated, the processes, procedures and instructions outlined in this policy must be followed and failure to follow this policy could lead to disciplinary action.

Environmental Commitment

Our Leadership’s commitment to improving environmental performance is demonstrated with the following environmental objectives:

• Continue to meet the requirements of ISO 14001:2015 Environmental Management through NQA certification.
• Review and reduce the environmental impacts of our operations in line with the expectations of legislation such as the Environmental Protection Act and the Environmental Protection (Duty of Care) Regulations.
• Comply with all planning permission and license requirements.
• Reduce emissions to meet the company’s goal of Net Zero by 2044 and increase pollution prevention by pursuing clear, measurable targets for reducing Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions in line with Science-Based Targets initiatives (SBTi).
• Increase use of renewable energy where possible.
• Minimise waste production and recycle materials where possible.
• Review and adapt policy as climate change progresses to ensure effective environmental emergency response.
• Increase employee environmental awareness and provide suitable training.
• Encourage management, staff and employees to work closely with suppliers, sub-contractors, regulators and customers to ensure we meet and exceed all regulatory requirements and other applicable requirements.
• Ensure the company is a good neighbour.
• The Safety Schemes in Procurement (SSIP) certification through NQA will be maintained.

Monitor water consumption, promote the responsible and efficient use of water in all activities, and prevent water waste.

Policies

Our company has an Environmental Management System (EMS) in place which forms part of an Integrated Management System (IMS). The EMS follows the international standard ISO 14001 and formally states how we commit to protect the environment and stay legally compliant. All the company’s activities, staff and contractors are covered by the EMS and must comply with it.

Legal Compliance and Regulations

The company will keep up to date with environmental legislation and has subscribed for updates from a third-party service to ensure we remain compliant with all environmental legislation. All staff should be familiar with current legislation applicable to their duties. The United Nations (UN) Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals will also be considered throughout our Environmental Management System (EMS) and company policies.

Energy Consumption

Colleagues will be made aware of responsible energy use in the office and when working from home. 100% of energy used in offices will be renewable and energy-saving technologies will be invested in to lower consumption.

Air Pollution – direct and indirect emissions

Ozone Depleting Substances Regulations and Fluorinated Greenhouse Gas Regulations will be followed to ensure legal compliance and reduced air pollution.

The carbon reduction plan will be followed to report progress of the Net Zero by 2044 goal, in line with the Science Based Targets Commitment to a 1.5°C reduction in global temperature. This will improve carbon emissions over travel, energy use, waste management, supply chain and paper use, alongside continual external verification of carbon emissions.

We aim to reduce our business fuel consumption by 3% per year. Travel has also been considered as one of the biggest causes of air pollution. Secure remote diagnostic and maintenance systems have been installed, company vehicles are increasingly electric cars, and public transport and car sharing are encouraged to lower the company’s mileage.

Waste and Recycling

The company will comply with the Waste Regulations for Scotland, England and Wales, The Controlled Waste Regulations, The Waste Electrical & Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Regulations, The Hazardous Waste Directive, The Special Waste (Scotland) Regulations, The Waste Batteries and Accumulators (Amendment) Regulations and Producer Responsibility Obligations (Packaging Waste) Regulations.

The environmental management procedures detail the process of properly storing, recycling and disposing of waste:

• Waste Storage: All waste will be stored away from surface waters, unsurfaced ground and drains. It will be stored securely to prevent leaks, odours or waste escaping from the waste container. Waste will be uplifted promptly.
• Recycling: All waste streams must be segregated and recycled where collection facilities for separated waste streams are available. Clearly labelled bins should be provided for separate waste streams and to promote recycling.
• General Waste Disposal: All waste must be stored safely and securely before collection from a registered waste carrier. All waste carriers must produce a Waste Transfer Note which will be kept for two years. The Waste Transfer Note shall be signed by the driver and a company employee and contain the required Euro Waste Code (EWC) and Standard Industry Code (SIC).
• Hazardous Waste: Hazardous waste onsite (e.g. oily rags, batteries) cannot be disposed of in general waste skips or bins and must not be stored onsite for more than a year or stored in large quantities.
  • Transported by a registered waste carrier.
  • Accompanied by a consignment note.
  • Sent to an approved facility.
  • Consignment notes must be kept for 3 years.
• Waste Contractors: All waste contractors used should be appraised and approved as per 4.2 Control of Purchasing and Outsourced Services. Checks must be completed to ensure they hold a suitable pollution prevention and control permit, waste management license or a registered exemption that authorises them to take that type of waste for the activity they intend.
• Detailed information of Pointer’s waste practices can be found in the Waste Management Policy.

Water

Regular site inspections will be carried out to check for leaks, legionella and water efficiency issues, with a system for reporting water issues. Water meters will be read regularly, and consumption tracked. Visual reminders will also be displayed where appropriate (e.g., “Report Leaks” or “Ensure tap is switched off” signage).

Additional information on Pointer’s water management is available in the Water Use Policy.

Biodiversity

Colleagues will be made aware of the biodiversity impacts when working on construction sites. Biodiversity controls have also been integrated into risk assessments and method statements. Further information is available in the Biodiversity Policy.

Sustainable Procurement

Top suppliers will be engaged with to promote the use of recycled materials, energy efficient equipment and carbon footprint initiatives. New suppliers and contractors will also be assessed to ensure environmentally conscious behaviour is continued throughout our supply chain.

Detailed information of Pointer’s sustainable procurement practices can be found in the Sustainable Procurement Policy, which focuses on Environmental Impact Reduction, Sustainability, and Efficiency and Quality.

Environmental Impact

We have reviewed and identified the operations of the business which have the potential to have a significant impact on the environment and these impacts will be monitored and communicated to all relevant staff.

In reviewing environmental impacts, we also take a ‘Life Cycle’ perspective to consider how environmental performance could be improved by considering if there are improvements that could be made beyond those directly relating to our operational activities such as improvements that could be made by other interested parties such as suppliers or customers and whether these interested parties could be influenced to achieve improvement. The life cycle perspective involves consideration from the very start (upstream) such as how raw materials required are extracted or energy generated right through to (downstream) end of life disposal.

All staff should be aware of this approach so that they can assist with controlling our environmental impact both within the company and up and down our supply chain where practicable.

Environmental Awareness Training

Environmental awareness training is provided to all colleagues on an ongoing basis and during induction of new colleagues. The training will cover significant environmental aspects and their associated impacts and planned emergency responses. Employees are also required to complete a minimum of 2 environmental toolbox talks per year.

As well as training, all colleagues have access to our Environmental Awareness Staff Handbook.

Environmental Incident Prevention & Management

All relevant colleagues will be given training to ensure they know how to prevent and respond to environmental incidents, with an Environmental Risk Assessment documented using the identified control measures.

Oils and chemicals will be stored in a responsible way to reduce any potential environmental incidents and emergency situations and comply with relevant legislation.

Emergency Response Procedures

Emergency response procedures will be available to all staff covering potential emergency situations detailing actions to be taken and emergency equipment. Following the occurrence of an emergency, the effectiveness of the arrangements and response will be reviewed. Emergency response actions (e.g., fire drill, oil spill) will be tested during ongoing site inspections and as part of premises inspection.

Responsibilities

• Be aware of the Environmental Policy.
• Be aware of our Environmental Objectives and Targets.
• Follow the Environmental guidance issued.
• Report any issues to the Compliance Manager or Line Manager.
• Come forward with any suggestions for improvements to environmental performance.
• Report any environmental concerns or incidents including spillages.

Engagement

Staff can communicate any issues or suggestions during team meetings, two annual mentoring sessions with managers, using QR codes designed for anonymous feedback and following the mandatory environmental toolbox talks. The company app – Pointer Power – also provides regular company updates with the company newsletter.

Review

This policy will be reviewed annually and updated as necessary to reflect changes in laws, regulations, and best practices.