GEM of a way to help environment

As part of its commitment to managing the environment in a responsible way, Herefordshire Council is extending one of its major eco-friendly policies.

The scheme, called GEM or Good Environmental Management, makes sure all of the council’s activities are assessed for their impact on the environment and then managed and improved wherever possible.

GEM, which has been operating across the council’s administration departments since 2002, has already seen offices use recycled paper and then recycle waste to reduce the amount sent to landfill.

Now it has been decided to roll out the scheme to cover all of the council departments with the aim of reducing the authority’s trade waste sent to landfill and increase recycling. Other aims are to cut the use of private cars and increase use of public transport and cycling. The council will also make energy and water consumption more efficient.

By carrying out these measures, Herefordshire Council aims to protect the environment by saving resources and reducing pollution, to save money by becoming more efficient and to provide a lead to others over environmental matters.

Cllr Phil Edwards, Cabinet Member, (Environment), said: ”It’s wonderful to see Herefordshire Council leading by example and carrying out measures to save money by becoming more energy efficient and helping the environment as well.”

The council has already been working with schools to raise awareness of environmental issues and providing them with recycling bins and has been supporting the Bridge It programme which helps local businesses improve awareness and performance on issues such as waste reduction and complying with legislation.

The council has been awarded an ISO 14001 certificate, accredited by SGS, which will be officially awarded at the full council meeting on Friday, November 3.