{"id":258,"date":"2025-01-14T12:08:43","date_gmt":"2025-01-14T12:08:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/suppliers.duchyofcornwall.org\/?page_id=258"},"modified":"2026-01-20T10:19:57","modified_gmt":"2026-01-20T10:19:57","slug":"environmental-policy-help-page","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/suppliers.duchyofcornwall.org\/index.php\/environmental-policy-help-page\/","title":{"rendered":"Environmental policy help page"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"0-does-your-organisation-engage-with-suppliers-and-the-whole-supply-chain-to-encourage-robust-ways-of-working-in-line-with-your-own-values\"><strong>Help notes: ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading has-base-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-elements-bc264c5c2b06539d7cb16eaa6dde3cab\" style=\"background-color:#9e7a38\"><strong>Does your organisation have a policy or plans in place to manage its environmental impact, which are shared with staff?\u00a0<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>This question is about your organisation doing things to limit its impact on the environment, for example around how you use energy or manage waste or resources. Your plans can be described in an environmental policy.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle\" id=\"ub-content-toggle-8f4516c4-0a7e-476f-ba93-961641e305b1\" data-mobilecollapse=\"false\" data-desktopcollapse=\"true\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion\" id=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-block-\">\n                <div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-title-wrap\"\" aria-controls=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-0-8f4516c4-0a7e-476f-ba93-961641e305b1\" tabindex=\"0\">\n                    <p class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-title ub-content-toggle-title-8f4516c4-0a7e-476f-ba93-961641e305b1\"><strong>What is a &#8216;Yes&#8217; for me?<\/strong><\/p><div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-toggle-wrap right\"><span class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-state-indicator wp-block-ub-chevron-down\"><\/span>\n                    <\/div><\/div><div role=\"region\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-content-wrap ub-hide\" id=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-0-8f4516c4-0a7e-476f-ba93-961641e305b1\">\n\n<p>By answering \u2018yes\u2019 to this question you are saying that your organisation has an environmental policy in some form, and you could show how you use it in practice.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>An environmental policy typically states:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><em>A commitment to the environment<\/em>&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>What <em>areas your organisation will focus on<\/em> (e.g. reducing waste; cutting energy use; reducing water use; choosing sustainable suppliers; complying with environmental regulations)&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><em>Specific actions<\/em> you will take (e.g. we will recycle paper and plastics in our office; we will reduce vehicle emissions by planning more efficient routes)&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A <em>commitment to review<\/em> progress and the policy regularly&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>For a small organisation, a policy could be a simple short document about small achievable changes relevant to what you can control (see below).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For larger organisations an environmental policy is likely to be more comprehensive and formal, as operations scale up and become more complex (see below).<\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle\" id=\"ub-content-toggle-0222f0ad-11cd-4212-b316-ee10534c7eea\" data-mobilecollapse=\"false\" data-desktopcollapse=\"true\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion\" id=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-block-\">\n                <div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-title-wrap\"\" aria-controls=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-0-0222f0ad-11cd-4212-b316-ee10534c7eea\" tabindex=\"0\">\n                    <p class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-title ub-content-toggle-title-0222f0ad-11cd-4212-b316-ee10534c7eea\"><strong>Does this question apply to me? Is this a regulatory requirement?<\/strong><\/p><div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-toggle-wrap right\"><span class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-state-indicator wp-block-ub-chevron-down\"><\/span>\n                    <\/div><\/div><div role=\"region\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-content-wrap ub-hide\" id=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-0-0222f0ad-11cd-4212-b316-ee10534c7eea\">\n\n<p>This question is for all suppliers. Organisations of any size can consider their environmental impact.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Producing an environmental policy is not a regulatory\/ legal requirement in the UK, though it can show how your organisation plans to comply with environmental legislation.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle\" id=\"ub-content-toggle-700a1839-f960-4b82-b8aa-df4871d0b645\" data-mobilecollapse=\"false\" data-desktopcollapse=\"true\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion\" id=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-block-\">\n                <div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-title-wrap\"\" aria-controls=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-0-700a1839-f960-4b82-b8aa-df4871d0b645\" tabindex=\"0\">\n                    <p class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-title ub-content-toggle-title-700a1839-f960-4b82-b8aa-df4871d0b645\"><strong>Environmental Policies: small organisations\u00a0<\/strong><\/p><div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-toggle-wrap right\"><span class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-state-indicator wp-block-ub-chevron-down\"><\/span>\n                    <\/div><\/div><div role=\"region\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-content-wrap ub-hide\" id=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-0-700a1839-f960-4b82-b8aa-df4871d0b645\">\n\n<p>Actions to include in an environmental policy should be relevant to you, part of day to day activities, and realistic.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Below are a few examples but there are many others. Some may be specific to the work you do.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><tbody><tr><td>Energy Use\/ Net Zero&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/td><td>Switch to electric vehicles or alternative fuels&nbsp;<br>Upgrade energy efficiency of appliances or buildings&nbsp;<br>Encourage or incentivise use of public transport, cycling or walking for staff&nbsp;<br>Order items locally when possible rather than from across the globe&nbsp;<br>Plan vehicle routes more efficiently&nbsp;<br>Find opportunities for use of renewable energy (e.g. energy supplier)&nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Waste management&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/td><td>Switch to electronic communications instead of paper (e.g. invoicing or quotes)&nbsp;<br>Minimise packaging in dispatching items to customers&nbsp;<br>Invest in equipment built to last&nbsp;<br>Encourage use of reusable cups and crockery in workplace&nbsp;<br>Recycle paper, cardboard and plastics in workplace&nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Water management&nbsp;<\/td><td>Fit low flow taps&nbsp;<br>Fix leaks&nbsp;<br>Switch to using products which are healthier for waterways&nbsp;<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>All areas&nbsp;<\/td><td>Choose suppliers who have a commitment to the environment&nbsp;<br>Share the policy and relevant information with all staff so that everyone is working to a common goal<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Example policy for a small organisation<\/strong> (can be amended to fit your organisation)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>[Organisation] Environmental Policy<\/em>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At [Organisation], we are committed to reducing our environmental impact and continually improving our sustainability practices.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Our Commitments:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Reducing waste where possible.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Using resources like energy and water efficiently.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Working with suppliers who show a commitment to the environment.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Complying with relevant environmental legislation and regulations.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Actions we will take to fulfil our commitments :&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Encourage digital communication to reduce paper usage.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Plan our deliveries and travel to reduce fuel consumption.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Train employees on environmental best practices.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Review this policy annually and assess our performance.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>This policy is effective from [Date] and will be reviewed on [Date].&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>[The Duchy of Cornwall does not endorse any particular wording]<\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle\" id=\"ub-content-toggle-3e76efea-988c-4ee3-a77f-49e4c5e77fd2\" data-mobilecollapse=\"false\" data-desktopcollapse=\"true\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion\" id=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-block-\">\n                <div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-title-wrap\"\" aria-controls=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-0-3e76efea-988c-4ee3-a77f-49e4c5e77fd2\" tabindex=\"0\">\n                    <p class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-title ub-content-toggle-title-3e76efea-988c-4ee3-a77f-49e4c5e77fd2\"><strong>Environmental Policies: larger organisations\u00a0<\/strong><\/p><div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-toggle-wrap right\"><span class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-state-indicator wp-block-ub-chevron-down\"><\/span>\n                    <\/div><\/div><div role=\"region\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-content-wrap ub-hide\" id=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-0-3e76efea-988c-4ee3-a77f-49e4c5e77fd2\">\n\n<p>For larger organisations an environmental policy is likely to be more comprehensive and formal, in line with the broader scale and complexity of operations. It is likely to show how the organisation aligns with environmental standards and regulations, and who is accountable for planned changes.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The principles of a policy are similar to those for a small organisation, and the best policies remain short and simple, but it is more likely to include the following:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>What the scope of the policy is (locations, divisions, stakeholders)&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Specific measurable goals (e.g. reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by x date; achieving zero waste to landfill by x date)&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Specific commitments (e.g. compliance with specific regulatory standards or requirements; transparency in environmental reporting)&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Implementation: processes, policies, responsibilities, training and awareness.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Monitoring and reporting: e.g. KPIs; audits and assessments; publishing annual reports<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Policy review: commitment to reviewing and updating the policy regularly&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>See links below for more information and examples.<\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle\" id=\"ub-content-toggle-cdfce659-e164-4c6c-ab6c-2ce21a258047\" data-mobilecollapse=\"false\" data-desktopcollapse=\"true\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion\" id=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-block-\">\n                <div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-title-wrap\"\" aria-controls=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-0-cdfce659-e164-4c6c-ab6c-2ce21a258047\" tabindex=\"0\">\n                    <p class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-title ub-content-toggle-title-cdfce659-e164-4c6c-ab6c-2ce21a258047\"><strong>More information about Environmental Policies<\/strong><\/p><div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-toggle-wrap right\"><span class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-state-indicator wp-block-ub-chevron-down\"><\/span>\n                    <\/div><\/div><div role=\"region\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-content-wrap ub-hide\" id=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-0-cdfce659-e164-4c6c-ab6c-2ce21a258047\">\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/businessclimatehub.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">UK Business Climate Hub &#8211; find advice on energy saving and net zero for SMEs<\/a>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fsb.org.uk\/knowledge\/fsb-infohub\/small-business-sustainability-hub.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">FSB | Sustainability and net zero<\/a> (actions for small businesses around Net Zero)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fsb.org.uk\/resources-page\/how-to-save-water-in-the-workplace.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">FSB | How to save water in the workplace<\/a>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.environmentalpolicy.org.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">How To Prepare an Environmental Policy<\/a>&nbsp; (includes links to paid content)&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/sustainablebusiness.org.uk\/news\/an-easy-guide-to-writing-an-environmental-or-sustainability-policy\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">An Easy Guide to Writing an Environmental or Sustainability Policy | Sustainable Business Partnership<\/a> (for small\/ medium sized organisations)&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/smallbusiness.co.uk\/environmental-checklist-for-small-businesses-2558278\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Environmental checklist for small businesses &#8211; Small Business UK<\/a>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.greeneconomy.co.uk\/news-and-resources\/insights\/how-to-write-an-environmental-policy\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Green Economy | How to write an environmental policy<\/a> (includes links to example policies)&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>[The Duchy of Cornwall does not endorse the content of external sites.]<\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Help notes: ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY Does your organisation have a policy or plans in place to manage its environmental impact, which are shared with staff?\u00a0 This question is about your organisation doing things to limit its impact on the environment, for example around how you use energy or manage waste or resources. Your plans can be [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"page-no-title","meta":{"ub_ctt_via":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-258","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"featured_image_src":null,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/suppliers.duchyofcornwall.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/258","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/suppliers.duchyofcornwall.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/suppliers.duchyofcornwall.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/suppliers.duchyofcornwall.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/suppliers.duchyofcornwall.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=258"}],"version-history":[{"count":12,"href":"https:\/\/suppliers.duchyofcornwall.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/258\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1002,"href":"https:\/\/suppliers.duchyofcornwall.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/258\/revisions\/1002"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/suppliers.duchyofcornwall.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=258"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}