Environmental Policy
United Utilities Australia Pty Ltd (including its related and joint venture companies) provides a full range of water services incorporating ownership, management, financing, operation and maintenance and waste water treatment facilities and including management of the design and construction of such facilities.
United Utilities is committed to safeguarding and improving the public health and the environment of the communities we serve and in which we operate throughout Australia. Safeguarding the environment is an integral and fundamental element of our business strategy.
We will adopt environmentally responsible policies and practices throughout all our operations. We are committed to the development and use of products, processes and services which reduce environmental damage and waste, and which optimise the use of resources. Our aim it to achieve continuous improvement in environmental management. We recognise our obligation to inform all our stakeholders of our policies, practices and performance in environmental matters.
United Utilities shall implement an Environmental Management System in accordance with AS/NZS ISO 14001:2004.
It is the express policy of United Utilities Australia:
- to operate facilities and conduct activities taking into consideration the efficient use of energy and resources and the minimisation of adverse environmental impacts (including source reduction, recycling and safe disposal);
- to search for and employ low-polluting technologies whenever reasonably practicable, and to adopt waste management practices including source reduction, recycling and safe disposal;
- to meet all relevant national and local statutory obligations, working closely and constructively with regulating agencies, community interest groups and other institutions concerned with environmental issues;
- to meet or exceed all contractual operating criteria;
- to monitor environmental performance and periodically to provide appropriate information to customers, employees, shareholders and the community at large;
- to develop and maintain emergency procedures, in co-operation with the relevant external agencies and local community, for responding to major hazards;
- to advise and inform customers, distributors, partners and the community at large about environmental issues associated with our products and services;
- to recognise our obligations to conserve and protect the natural environment and, where appropriate, to include a demonstrable commitment to the principles of this policy as a significant factor in the selection process for business partners and suppliers of goods and services;
- to promote environmental awareness amongst our staff through specific training and initiatives.
Objectives
- Monitor all discharges with significant environmental impact for flow and quality and comply with standards & specifications,
- Minimise energy consumption;
- Minimise operational noise,
- Ensure all appropriate Environmental Protection Agency licences have been obtained for the plants,
- Maximise the use of recycled materials and minimise waste,
Targets for the above objectives will be set and reviewed annually.
Responsibilities
Ultimate responsibility for executing this policy rests with the Managing Director. He has nominated the Environmental Manager to assist each site/plant in interpreting the policy and to monitor its implementation. The Environmental Manager will report regularly on compliance and performance, and will initiate independent audits as appropriate.
Communication of the policy
The latest revision of this statement will be displayed on principal notice boards throughout all plants, and otherwise brought to the attention of all employees. It will also be communicated to stakeholders, business partners, with those with whom we seek to work and will be generally available to the public on request.