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Environmental management policy

Caring for the future now

Caring for the environment is at the heart of what we do every day. Good environmental management has been central to our work and that of our volunteers and members for many years.

But until now we’ve never formally adopted a common approach for everyone in the organisation to follow. That’s why we have launched our environmental management policy. This aims to measure our performance against a range of environmental improvement targets and provide an impetus for further energy saving or environmentally friendly projects.

The overall aims of the environmental management policy are to:

  • Reduce the amount of CO2 we produce while driving on work duties
  • Reduce the amount of rubbish we throw away at all our sites, especially at our head office Aldern House
  • Reduce our paper usage – by using electronic communication where possible and using double-sided printing or photocopying when not
  • Reduce the amount of gas, oil, electricity and water we use at our sites
  • Ensure we only use mineral supplies or waste management contractors who follow the best environmental practices
  • Ensure we use products or services that support the special character and environment of the Peak District where possible – even if that means we have to spend a bit more to do so

Every year we will publish statistics to show our progress in meeting these targets.

Demonstrating good practice

Moorland Centre, EdaleOur own properties

  • Losehill Hall has installed a woodchip boiler and has Eco-Centre status for its reduced environmental footprint
  • The Moorland Centre at Edale is insulated with a sedum turf roof and heated by a ground source heat pump
  • Parsley Hay cycle hire centre has a ground source heat pump and grey water recycling
  • There are composting toilets at Binn Green near Dovestones and White Lodge near Ashford

Public transport in Upper Dertwent ValleyTransport

  • In 2000 the Authority introduced LPG fleet vehicles
  • Ranger guided walks connect to public transport where possible
  • Increased use of telephone conference calls for meetings reduces the amount of travelling
  • The authority has introduced home working options for staff to reduce the number of car journeys made



EQM award holderPeople, businesses and communities

  • Sustainable Development Fund grants for projects such as feasibility studies on biodiesel, hydropower and anaerobic digestion
  • Peak District Environmental Quality Mark – award to businesses for environmental best practice
  • Parklife community newsletter featuring items such as car share stories, renewables debate, local food
  • New Environmental Economy – local foods projects
  • Community planning – working with local people to support action on climate change

Environmental management policy (65KB) Adobe pdf document