Support services - Environmental Policy (U04)

1.0 Summary of Changes

1.1. This policy has been reviewed in March 2023, changes were made to 2.1 and 3.1 to include emphasis on maintaining and improving biodiversity and wildlife habitats.

2.0 What this Policy is About

2.1. The purpose of this policy is to outline the position of Kent Police with regard to its legal and social responsibility to the environment. Kent Police have a responsibility to comply with all environmental and biodiversity legislation and regulations, and wherever practicable exceed the requirements of codes of practice and best practice provision.

3.0 Statement of Policy

3.1. Kent Police will strive for continuous improvement in its environmental performance and is committed to:

• Delivering continual environmental improvement through the implementation of the Kent Police Carbon Management Plan.
• Take action to prevent pollution of air, water and land by understanding legislation and by acting responsibly.
• Ensure protection and conservation of existing habitats.
• Commit to maximising the ecological value of its green space for the benefit of a wide range of flora and fauna, whilst at the same time retaining its functional value.
• Give due consideration to environmental issues including climate change, adaptation and energy performance in the acquisition, design, refurbishment, location and the use of buildings

4.0 Implications of the Policy

4.1. Finance / Staffing / Training / Other

• Reduce our consumption of energy and water, and increase the efficiency of natural resource usage across the force estate to reduce our carbon footprint and achieve financial best value.
• Manage all waste resulting from force activities taking into consideration the waste hierarchy – Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. Dispose of waste in an environmentally responsible manner to achieve financial best value.
• Continuing our commitment of raising staff awareness on environmental issues and schemes by increasing participation and training.

4.2. Risk Assessments

4.2.1. This policy has been rated as medium risk. The main risk to this policy is the non-adherence by Staff and frontline policing.

4.3. Equality Impact Assessment

4.3.1. The policies of Kent Police are intended to promote equality, eliminate unlawful discrimination and actively promote good relationships regardless of:

• Age
• Disability
• Gender Reassignment
• Race
• Religion or Belief
• Sex
• Sexual Orientation
• Marriage & Civil Partnership
• Pregnancy & Maternity

The policy has been assessed as having a LOW potential impact using the equalities impact assessment template, by incorporating equality considerations into the policy process, has allowed both forces to identify any actual or potential equalities and reduce them as much as possible, by applying the policy differently or looking for alternatives.

5.0 Consultation

5.1 Corporate consultation has taken place in January 2020 with the following departments:

• Health and Safety
• Legal
• Freedom of Information
• Federation
• Unison
• Diversity
• IT Security
• Estates

6.0 Monitoring and Review

6.1 Responsibility has been assigned to the ownership of the Joint Kent Police and Essex Police Carbon Programme Board, comprising of key stakeholders from across the Force. This policy will be reviewed at least every 2 years or following any changes in relevant legislation, national guidance or local policy. The next review is due in March 2025.

7.0 Security

7.1 Kent Police have measures in place to protect the security of your data in accordance with our Information Management Policy (Policy W1000 – Information Management).

8.0 Retention and Disposal of Records

8.1 Kent Police will hold data in accordance with our Records Review, Retention and
Disposal Policy (Policy W1012 - Records Review, Retention and Disposal).

9.0 Related Force Policies or SOPs

9.1. Kent Police Carbon Management Plan promotes sustainable development and introduction of environmental management systems.

10. Other Source Documents

10.1. The legal basis for this policy is found in existing environmental legislation and within the European Union, The Environmental Protection Act (1990) implements the European Union Waste Framework Directive in England, Wales and Scotland. The Act was created to strengthen pollution controls in relation to waste and encourage enforcement of penalties for any breaches. The United Nations Agenda 21 sets out a comprehensive action plan to be applied, globally, nationally and locally by organisations of the United Nations systems of Government, in every area in which we impact on the environment