1 Policy Aims
1.1 The activities of public transport providers and GMPTE have an effect on the environment. This policy highlights GMPTE's commitment to continual improvement in environmental performance.
1.2 The aims of this policy are:
- To improve the environmental performance of public transport services
- To improve and manage GMPTE's internal environmental performance
1.3 To achieve these aims, GMPTE will:
- Work with operators and District Councils to improve the environment by reducing local air pollution
- Work with operators to help tackle climate change by reducing carbon emissions
- Set objectives, targets and programmes to continually improve internal environmental performance, through maintenance and delivery of an ISO 14001 compliant Environmental Management System and a Sustainable Development Strategy
- Take appropriate steps to prevent pollution to land, air and water
- Comply with all applicable regulations, standards and approved codes of practice in the UK.
2 Background
2.1 The second Greater Manchester Local Transport Plan five-year strategy incorporates the county Air Quality Management Plan and contains a wide variety of policies and actions related to transport and the environment, including targets for local air pollutants and climate change gas emissions.
2.2 This policy is the main delivery mechanism for the GMPTE strategic objective 'Contribute to sustainable development and a cleaner environment'.
2.3 Further information on initiatives detailed below, plus many other supporting projects, can be found in the environment section of the GMPTE website (www.gmpte.com).
3 Policy Delivery
3.1 Transport
In partnership with operators, District Councils and other stakeholders, GMPTE promotes the use of environmentally responsible public transport and seeks to reduce the proportion of travel made by car. GMPTE works with operators to develop high environmental standards for all services including those GMPTE specify or supply. GMPTE promotes sustainable travel internally through a Travel Plan.
3.2 Air pollution
GMPTE aims to work with operators and District Councils to reduce the contribution of public transport to local air pollution. GMPTE also strive, where appropriate, to reduce climate change gas emissions in line with the requirements of local, regional and national policy aspirations.
GMPTE searches for, promotes, and where practicable and affordable applies low pollution policies and technologies. In particular GMPTE promotes alternative fuel technologies and policies that will lead to cleaner air.
3.3 Energy and Water
Where practicable and affordable GMPTE adopts and specifies low impact and efficient utility management practices: including energy and water efficiency for existing buildings, the design of new facilities to minimise use of energy and water, on-site generation and the procurement of renewable energy.
3.4 Waste
GMPTE endeavors to adopt environmentally sound waste management practices including reduction at source, reuse, recycling and safe and responsible disposal. Where possible we specify products with a high content of recycled materials.
3.5 Natural, Cultural and Built Environment
GMPTE recognises an obligation to conserve, protect, and where possible, enhance the natural environment, cultural and built heritage. GMPTE seeks to maximise features that work towards sustainable development in all projects. GMPTE seeks to ensure, through its Project Management Procedures and through the awareness and training of relevant staff, that sustainability principles are included as part of every new development or refurbishment of public transport facilities.
3.6 Procurement
GMPTE will seek to introduce a sustainable procurement strategy to reduce the social, environmental and economic impact of its procurement decisions. GMPTE requests environmental information from suppliers and contractors and this information will be used to inform procurement decisions to the extent that this is legally possible.
3.7 Awareness and Training
GMPTE seeks to advise and inform the travelling public about the environmental issues associated with its activities in an objective way. This policy is made available to GMPTE staff and stakeholders via the GMPTE web site. GMPTE promotes environmental awareness amongst employees through specific induction, training and promotional initiatives.
4 Policy Monitoring and Compliance
- A public annual Environmental Report will be presented to the Passenger Transport Authority and published on the GMPTE website
- The GMPTE Environment Team will review and make updates to the policy annually or as required by changes in service or legislation
- Compliance will be checked and reported annually as part of GMPTE's routine audit and assurance work
5 Accountability
Responsible to the Board: Organisational Development Director
Compliance: Environmental Projects Controller
Awareness: All Staff