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Environmental policy statement

Environmental Policy Statement (PDF 114kB)

The Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) is responsible for providing the Australian Government with high quality advice and services to achieve an effective functioning labour market and workplaces with higher productivity and higher pay.

DEEWR management recognises its responsibility to the Australian Government and the wider community to make a commitment to minimise the impact of its operations on the environment.

Environmental Management System

DEEWR will use an Environmental Management System (EMS) in compliance with the AS/NZS ISO 14001 as the tool for continual improvement in its environmental management. The department will:

  • Regularly monitor and report on its environmental performance;
  • Evaluate and revise environmental management programs at least annually, to assess whether desired outcomes are being achieved against specific objectives and targets.

Scope

This policy covers the activities, products and services of DEWR’s office-based operations throughout Australia.  The department will seek to have an EMS certified at one of its Canberra sites in compliance with AS/NZ ISO 14001.

Environmental Commitment

DEEWR will:

  • Demonstrate its commitment through the successful implementation of energy conservation programs;
  • Purchase an increasing component of energy from ecologically sustainable resources;
  • Incorporate ecologically sustainable development principles into daily operations including business plans, purchasing, leasing arrangements and office accommodation practices;
  • Encourage stakeholders to facilitate and enhance decision making processes aimed at preventing pollution by reducing, reusing, repairing and recycling resources;
  • Foster an environmentally responsible culture throughout DEEWR by the involvement and awareness of  persons working for or on its behalf;
  • Comply with applicable Australian Government, State and Territory environmental legislation, regulations, policies, initiatives and other requirements which relate to DEEWR’s environmental aspects.