Core Environmental Policy and Objectives
Our core environmental policy and objectives are as follows:-
- Identify, manage and minimise our environmental footprint
- Monitor and meet the requirements of all environmental legislation and regulations
- Through benchmarking set, monitor and achieve company targets covering carbon, waste, water , packaging and noise
- Develop and implement an environmental management system operating ISO 14001 for our processing sites
- Involve all employees in the implementation of this policy and incorporation of environmental requirements into all aspects of our jobs
Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control
Our Dromona, Pennybridge and Dunmanbridge operations have applied for and received IPPC permits. This permit process is a vehicle for further environmental improvements and involves;
- Identification of all waste streams
- Environmental assessments of air, noise, odour and water emissions
- Site environmental surveys
- Reviews of all process controls
- Investigations into all pollution abatement measures
European Union Emissions Trading Scheme Permit
Dunmanbridge successfully recorded emission levels below those imposed through Phase 1 of the European Union Trading Scheme Permit scheme. Dunmanbridge also recorded emissions levels lower than the permit levels for year 1 of phase 2.
Environmental management system
The implementation and development of an environmental management system is delivering real environmental benefits. Dunmanbridge and Dromona have achieved ISO 14001 accreditation and the required procedures have already been put in place for Pennybridge.
Environmental Purchasing
Dale Farm accepts fully its responsibility to carry out its purchasing activities in an environmentally responsible manner. Working within EU and UK laws as well as the requirement to secure best value we will:
- Encourage recycling of products.
- Specify equipment which is water and energy efficient both in its manufacture and operation.
- Avoid the use of hazardous chemicals where a less damaging alternative is appropriately available.
- Encourage the purchase of goods containing recycled materials
- Minimise the use of virgin non-renewable natural resources and support the use of sustainable sources.
- Consider climate change mitigation and adaptation in procurement.
To achieve our objectives we will:
- Work with our suppliers to investigate and introduce environmentally friendly products.
- Ensure our existing and potential suppliers are aware of, and understand our corporate environmental policies.
- Regularly review our procurement for categories of spend which pose the significant environmental risks.
- Specify, wherever possible and reasonably practicable, the use of environmentally friendly materials and products, particularly in contracts where significant environmental risks have been identified.
- Ensure that supplier’s environmental credentials are considered in the supplier appraisal process, particularly in contracts where significant environmental risks have been identified.
- Ensure that where appropriate, environmental criteria are included in the award of contracts.
- Monitor the performance of our environmental purchasing and seek continual improvement.
Energy efficiency Initiatives
Dale Farm has a specific energy policy, the key elements are
- Ensuring adequate resources will be provided for the completion of the energy management programme.
- Undertaking periodic reviews of the company to identify areas where energy reductions can be made.
- Ensuring that capital equipment is selected with due regard to energy efficiency when the marginal cost is justified.
- Setting up energy monitoring and reporting systems.
- Reviewing and auditing our energy management systems against stated aims, targets and industry best practice and reporting our energy performance, both good and bad, to Dairy Energy Savings Ltd. as a means to improve accountability and to drive the continual improvement of our operations and business effectiveness.
- Regularly reviewing this policy to maintain our commitment to continuous improvement.
Dale Farm has a developed a close working relationship with the Carbon Trust. As a result, 22 projects have been identified and £ 200,000 invested in ensuring that carbon emissions are kept to a minimum.
Click here to read a Carbon Trust Case Study of Dale Farm
As a result of the investments energy consumption has decreased by 7 %.
Combined efficiencies along with conversion to gas our carbon dioxide emissions have decreased by 6.5%.
As a result of the groups recycling initiative 40% less waste has been sent to landfill during reporting period 2009/2010.
Transport
Dale Farm recognises the impact transport activities have on the environment, the key elements of our transport policy are
- Promotion of sustainable travel
- Maximising the loading capacity for all delivery and collection vehicles
- Maintenance of all vehicles so as to maximise fuel efficiency and minimise emissions
- In line with our procurement policy purchase vehicles with the highest fuel efficiency
- Measurement of the fuel required per tonne of product transported
- Optimisation of alternate day collection for bulk milk
Waste
As part of our waste policy we
- Train employees in waste reduction techniques
- Implement processes to reduce waste product and packaging
- Optimise the re – cycling of metal, cardboard and plastic
A single waste contractor has been appointed and is responsible for recycling plastic and cardboard on our behalf.
Recycling rates have increased to 28%
We comply fully with the waste packaging regulations and a program of packaging reduction has been implemented.
Effluent treatment
A review of the Dunmanbridge effluent treatment plant commenced in 2007. The objective of the review was to
‘Develop a best in class effluent treatment plant with
This process included
- A waste minimisation program
- A water minimisation program
- Use of external consultants to survey the existing process and recommend necessary additions
- Employee training of staff on effluent treatment
- Waste minimisation survey
- Waste minimisation training of employees
- Upgrade of the effluent treatment plant
875K has been invested in the Dunmanbridge effluent treatment plant over the last 12 months
