Hampshire Fire and Rescue Authority

Performance Review & Scrutiny Committee Item 5

4 September 2009

Progress report on the Best Value Review of Environmental Impact

Report of the Chief Officer

Contact: Eunice Mabey, Environmental Impact Project Co-ordinator

Telephone: 023 8062 6850

E-mail: [email protected]

1 Summary

1.1 A two year Best Value Review of Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service's Environmental Impact was completed in March 2009. The outcomes of this review have been encapsulated in the form of an Environmental Review booklet to report the results in a more user friendly format.

1.2 The Service continues to make good progress on reducing its environmental impact, but recognises that there is considerable scope for continued improvement and education of its staff in this high public interest area.

2 Recommendation

2.1 That the Committee notes the progress to date and endorses continuance of the work to reduce the environmental impact of the Service.

3 Progress to date

3.1 Progress to date and future targets are set out in the review booklet. Additional updates as follows

3.1.1 Energy Audit at Headquarters

An energy audit for Headquarters took place in May 2009. It is disappointing to report that the total number of electrical devices left switched on or on standby shows an increase from previous audits. In 2007, 89 items were recorded as left on, in March 2008, there was 79 and in October 2008, 76. In May 2009 the number increased to 114. It should be noted that 31 of these items related to a department that had not previously been audited.

3.1.2 `Redundant office furniture' bank

The `redundant office furniture' bank, set up to encourage staff to re-use good condition old stock, is proving very worthwhile. To date, over 140 items of furniture, including tables, filing cabinets, lockers, pedestals etc. have been recycled, resulting in savings of several thousands of pounds.

3.1.3 Environmental Management System (EMS) accredited to International Standard ISO 14001

Work is progressing towards the implementation of an Environmental Management System. The Service is working with the South East Region to have a regional generic framework funded by South East Fire Improvement Partnership (SEFIP). This base framework can then be adapted and developed for specific use by the Service, and submitted for accreditation.

3.1.4 Environmental Working Group

Progress of this group has been disappointing due largely to the workloads of the groups volunteer members. The issues were discussed by the Steering Group who agreed to re launch the group and set specific and manageable tasks to each volunteer.

3.1.5 Display Energy Certificates (DEC)

The Service has completed its legislative inspection of all premises requiring a DEC. The Environmental Steering Group (ESG) had decided to carry out DEC inspections of the remaining four wholetime stations. Unfortunately due to the absence of accurate energy consumption data, (necessary for the DEC to be carried out) these inspections have not been completed. Consumption details have been requested from the suppliers to overcome this problem. Failure to provide accurate consumption details would result in a G rating, so the ESG agreed not to conduct the inspections until the data is available.

3.1.6 Carbon Footprint

An assessment of the Service's carbon footprint has been completed for 2008/2009. This includes gas and electric consumption and business mileage (from bunker stock, card purchase and travel claims). The carbon emissions for 2008-09 total 4,849 tonnes of carbon dioxide, a decrease from 2007-08 of 3%.

4 Conclusion

4.1 Progress has been made towards reducing the environmental impacts of the Service but there remains much to do. Members will continue to be updated on progress.

5 Contribution to Corporate Aims and Objectives

5.1 One of our five priority areas is the Environment. The Authority has set demanding targets for reducing our carbon footprint and achieving an environmental management standard. This review underpins these priorities and contributes to the Service's vision of becoming the best Fire and Rescue Service in the country.

6 Resource Implications

6.1 The major resource requirement for this review continues to be staff time. The working party comprises of staff who undertake environmental activities in addition to their normal roles.

6.2 Within the review period, cost savings have been made totalling £36,000. This saving includes £12,000 from introducing recycling, £17,000 (up until June 2009) on the cycle scheme, £7,000 in the initial year for the production of DEC's and thousand from the recycled furniture bank.

7 Consultation

7.1 The review has involved considerable consultation with other Fire and Rescue Services and external organisations to identify best practice solutions for inclusion in our own procedures and practices. The views and aspirations of our own staff have also been sought.

8 People Impact Assessment

8.1 Carrying out People Impact Assessments will strengthen our Best Value Review practices by ensuring that the consequences of our proposed policies and actions comply with current legislation and expectations for improving equality and diversity in the workplace and in our delivery of services to the public.

8.2 The proposals within this report are compatible with the provisions of the European Convention on Human Rights and the Human Rights Act 1998 and considered in the light of the Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000.

9 Risk Analysis

9.1 During the review, a risk analysis was undertaken of issues encountered, in order to inform the review team of the areas to concentrate on in order to utilise resources effectively. It will continue to mitigate the risk of the failure to adequately protect the environment in our activities.

Background information (Section 100D of Local Government Act 1972)

The following documents disclose the facts or matters on which this report, or an important part of it, is based and has been relied upon to a material extent in the preparation of the report:

Report from the Environment Centre: Phase 1: An Environmental Review of the Eastleigh Headquarters and Four of their Fire Stations for the Hampshire Fire and Rescue Authority.