The FSDGE was issued in July 2002 and since then it has been expanded to cover 9 key areas. It is intended to promote sustainable development across Government and effectively is Government leading by example using a top down approach, which is a good way forward. Of the key areas Section D of the Framework deals specifically with waste, though other sections deal with energy, travel, water, procurement, biodiversity, social impacts, estate management and overarching commitments.
The Department’s strategy covers the sites of DCLG (HQ), its Executive Agencies and the Government Departments but does not include Executive NDPBs. The production and disposal of waste has been identified by the Department as one of the largest environmental impacts of running the Estate.
The strategy is also linked to the DCLG Sustainable Development Action Plan which
is a primary element of the UK Government Sustainable Development Strategy
“Securing the Future”. It is an element of the FSDGE Targets.
The majority of the DCLG Estate is office based and includes London HQ, Planning Inspectorate (Bristol), Queen Elisabeth II Conference Centre, The Fire Service College, and Regional Government Offices across England.
Waste hierarchy
The Department aims to manage all waste in line with the waste hierarchy, as set out in the Waste Strategy 2000. In November 2002, this approach was endorsed by the Prime Minister’s Strategy Unit.
Waste reduction
DCLG aims to establish opportunities to reduce and reuse waste produced across the estate through changing procurement habits. In order to achieve waste reduction, DCLG will undertake awareness campaigns and encourage the procurement of more durable goods with a longer life. Clauses are to be included in all relevant waste management contracts applicable within 3 months of the issue of standard Government contract clauses. This would include partnership contracts (such as Public Private Partnerships
(PPPs) and Private Finance Initiatives (PFIs)).
Departments would reverse the upward trend in waste arisings, through progressive reduction by at least 1% per annum in total waste arisings generated, and where possible extend this to each type of waste arisings generated.
Sustainable Procurement
Strategy. This will encourage buyers to address the life cycle of a product and service and take account of environmental criteria when making product selections, including minimisation of waste and consideration of other sustainable issues.
Waste recycling and composting
Where opportunities for re-use or reduction are not available DCLG intends to separate waste streams wherever possible for recycling and composting. Where available and financially practical, Departments would aim to recycle paper, cardboard, plastic bottles, glass, cans, tins, toners, batteries, fluorescent tubes, scrap metal, wood, mobile phones, paint. Departments would increase recycling rates, once established by at least 5% per annum, with an aim of reaching a 75% recycling/composting rate overall. Where possible this would be extended to each type of waste arisings generated.
Disposal by incineration or landfill
Disposing of waste by incineration or landfill would be the last remaining option for waste that is produced across the estate.
The waste policies of contractors and suppliers would be required to reflect those of the Departments and hence waste would be managed in a sustainable manner.
Strategy policies would be subject to regular review.
Monitoring systems will be introduced through provision of a comprehensive data collection methodology to demonstrate the effectiveness of the Strategy policies. Reporting will be in the form of the waste hierarchy for clarity and a base-line year of 2002-03 would be used to calculate against this figure annually.
DCLG Central Procurement Division is producing guidance on sustainable
procurement and will be publishing DCLG’s sustainable procurement strategy.
For further information see http://www.sustainabledevelopment.gov.uk/