SEPA's footprint growing greener

27th January 2008

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) continues to lead by example and is on track to reduce its carbon dioxide emissions by 20%.

A series of initiatives has resulted in Scotland's environment watchdog achieving six out of its seven environmental performance targets, according to an independently validated report1 published recently. Efforts include

· reducing electricity and gas consumption-
Despite having almost 9% more staff from the year before, SEPA has reduced
energy consumption by using more energy-efficient heating equipment; having
timer switches on lighting and turning lights and electrical equipment off
when not needed.

· reduced combined carbon dioxide emissions from travel -
By increasing the number of video conferences, SEPA has saved 250,000 miles
(51 tonnes of carbon). All staff are encouraged to telephone or video
conference where possible. If attendance is required, public transport or
car sharing is always preferable to a single occupant journey.
SEPA staff may only take a business flight with express permission from one
of SEPA's most senior managers, and only if other options are truly
impractical.

· reducing production of solid and liquid wastes -
Chemistry staff are using a new technique to analyse pesticide samples
which uses approximately 80% less solvent per sample, reduces water use and
results in less effluent discharged to the sewerage system. SEPA has also
adopted a new method for some analyses that avoids the use of solvents
entirely. As a result solvent wastes from SEPA laboratories has been
reduced by 23% in the last year.
SEPA recycles a variety of items, including; paper, glass, card, plastic,
fluorescent tubes, IT equipment, printer and toner cartridges, cans,
batteries and stamps. Composting is also used on sites where possible.

Other initiatives include having environmental criteria in relevant procurement contracts and using a SEPA-wide site inventory to identify potential projects to conserve and enhance biodiversity. E.g. our Dingwall office has reduced the frequency of grass cutting around its site, and staff there built a wildlife pond.

The only target not met was reduction of paper consumption, and a number of steps are in place to achieve this. E.g. Introducing electronic payslips for staff, printing & photocopying reduction messages on or near equipment and changing default settings so double-sided printing is standard. Other options are also being explored.

SEPA's internal green co-ordinator, Derek McGregor, says taking action is a lot simpler than many people think: "We want all business and individuals to think about the small steps they can take. Switching off computer monitors, using timer switches and carefully choosing printer options can all make a difference and should also result in cost saving. This can be a significant contribution to business profits and to efficiency increasing efforts by public sector organisations like SEPA."

He also stressed how important it is that Scotland's environment regulator sets a good example: "As part of its day to day activities, SEPA provides organisations and individuals with advice and direction on good environmental practice. So it's vital that we demonstrate our own commitment and ability to improving environmental performance and reducing the environmental impact of our activities."

"There are many areas in which we can do better but, thanks to the commitment of
SEPA staff and a dedicated programme, we have already achieved great results in our initiatives to tackle waste, energy use and carbon dioxide emissions from travel. For suggestions on green initiatives visit http://www.sepa.org.uk/green/guidance.htm "