Buoyed by their success in achieving international quality accreditation, across the organisation, Manningham is currently working to achieve the same level of accreditation for its Environmental Management System (EMS).
Having an EMS means not only has Council put in place processes that enable residents to manage the environment in a more sustainable way, but Council itself must act as a responsible corporate citizen. This includes using environmentally friendly ways to carry out day to day business.
Implementation of such a system comes naturally to a Municipality which values its natural amenity and wishes to preserve and improve it. Working with neighbouring Councils to integrate the policy will ensure boundary differences do not compromise achievements.
In spite of having good practices already in place, Council felt an EMS strategy would ensure environmental matters are seen as an issue for the whole organisation not just the ‘conservation officer’s domain’.
A specially adapted EMS is currently being trialed in the Economic and Environmental Planning Unit. This will ultimately be extended to the whole organisation. A city wide education program is planned to provide information for residents and businesses on how they can participate in the process.
Tailored to the needs of Local Government, and Manningham in particular, the EMS is adaptable as a blue print for other Councils.
Council believes it can act as a catalyst for other corporate organisations to monitor and improve their own practices with sustainability in mind. Manningham is aiming to achieve ISO14000 accreditation within 12 months.
For further information contact the Customer Service Desk, telephone (03) 9840 9333.
