Environmental Management Policy

Introduction

This policy covers ASHM’s office-based operations as well as its development and humanitarian initiatives. ASHM’s Conference, Sponsorship and Events Division has a Green Events policy which governs the organisation of ASHM events and conferences, meetings and events ASHM is contracted to arrange for other organisations.

The earth’s environment is under severe stress from uncontrolled human activity, threatening the survival of our society and the performance of ASHM’s mission.

ASHM accepts that it must work to preserve the environmental sustainability of the planet, at all levels of its operations – in its own practice, as a participant in a community of practice, and as a participant in the Australian social discourse.

ASHM aspires to minimise its impact on our environment and maximise the effective use of resources. We strive to achieve this by increasing communication and awareness of our efforts in accordance with this policy and fostering responsible environmental behaviour amongst staff, volunteers, and users at all levels.

ASHM is committed not only to complying with applicable law in all of its operations but to minimise risks and impacts through the development of robust and documented systems to implement, measure, monitor, and disseminate excellent environmental performance both within its operations and to the broader community.

Also, ASHM is committed to understanding the environmental impact, if any, of our programming and organisational activities and conducting our activities in an environmentally sustainable way.

Purpose

This Environmental Management Policy aims to integrate a philosophy of sustainable development into all the organisation’s activities and to establish and promote sound environmental practice in our operations

Definitions

Environmental sustainability is a way in which demands placed on the environment can be met on a long-term basis.

Policy

ASHM recognises the potential impacts of organisational and office activities and seeks to minimise the demands/impacts from such activities – where possible.

ASHM recognises the impact that its projects may have on our partner countries and communities, and seeks to mitigate this impact – wherever possible.

ASHM is committed to monitor and evaluate the risks of its practices and projects and ASHM commits itself to minimising its impact on our environment through

Providing a safe and healthy workplace;

Having an environmentally sustainable aware culture, where responsibility is assigned and understood;
Being an environmentally responsible neighbour in our community;
Conserving natural resources by reusing and recycling;
Using, in our own operations, processes that do not adversely affect the environment;
Ensuring the responsible use of energy throughout the organisation;
Participating in efforts to improve environmental protection and understanding;
Taking steps to continually improve environmental performance;
Working with suppliers who promote sound environmental practices; and
Enhancing awareness among our employees, volunteers, partners, and users – educating and motivating them to act in an environmentally responsible manner.

ASHM recognises that integrating environmental sustainability into our international development projects/programs improves their long-term benefits and impact.

ASHM considers the ‘do no harm’ principle in all our international development work and identifies strategies to avoid, minimise, or mitigate any negative impacts of our projects/programs on the environment.