About Us - Sustainability Policy
Scope
This policy covers all activities undertaken by Landcare Research personnel both in the field and at our research sites and acknowledges priority to maintaining our financial viability and legislative compliance.
Policy Statement
Landcare Research develops knowledge and provides expertise to improve New Zealand's biodiversity, land environments, business and society. Sustainability is at the core of all we do. Whilst our work has positive outcomes, it consumes resources and impacts the environment.
This policy outlines our intentions and aspirations to be a leading organisation in establishing best-practice for environmental, financial, social, and cultural sustainability in New Zealand.
We will:
- Deliver on our science objective to foster more sustainable business and living practices.
- Consider the impact of our business decisions on the four elements of sustainability, find a reasonable balance between conflicting demands, and report on how we manage this.
- Engage our staff to agree on appropriate objectives and targets that extend standard practice, and regularly review and report our progress against these.
- Help our staff reduce their environmental impacts at work, and encourage sustainable practices on their commute to and from work, and at home.
- Minimise and mitigate the adverse effects of our activities on the environment, especially resource consumption and pollution including greenhouse gas emissions.
- Manage our environmental risks by maintaining and continually improving an environmental management system to ISO14001:2004 standard.
- Actively encourage our supply chain to adopt sustainable business practices.
- Create a safe, healthy and happy work environment that supports individual development, team-work and a positive work life balance.
- Honour the Treaty of Waitangi, encourage Māori participation through active engagement with Māori.
- Embrace diversity, including different cultures, ethnicities and beliefs.
- “Walk the talk”. Continue building relationships with relevant stakeholders, end-users and local communities to foster improved sustainability practice in New Zealand.
Richard Gordon (CEO)
Date: 14 April 2011