05/01/2006 - The Environment Agency is practising what it preaches in the North West by reporting on its own corporate social responsibility performance for the first time. "A Better Place for Everyone" highlights how the Agency took account of its economic, social and environmental impacts during 2004-2005.

Key achievements have been reducing energy usage across all offices, depots and pumping stations in the region leading to a 10% decrease in electricity with less than three million kHhs being used and a 10 % reduction in water usage.

Installing systems such as motion sensitive lighting, solar panels and waterless urinals have helped to conserve resources. Other measures such as recycling 100 % of computers, recycling paper, card, plastic and introducing composting for waste such as teabags, fruit and vegetable peelings, makes the Agency a leader in green business practices.

Tony Dean, Regional Director of the Environment Agency North West, said: "Corporate reporting is increasingly recognised as a way for businesses to demonstrate how they contribute to peoples’ quality of life. As a public sector organisation we pride ourselves on being open and accountable to the community we serve. Our behaviour demonstrates what we expect from others and it is essential to lead from the top.

"We are environmental regulators and therefore must have good environmental management processes ourselves. We need to be a trusted partner in achieving sustainable development. We are committed to working with business, public bodies and community organisations to encourage people to change."

Staff are equally committed to being socially responsible using public transport, car sharing and 17% of the Agency’s fleet vehicles are run on Liquid Petroleum Gas, which is less harmful to the environment.

The report also outlines how the Agency has achieved 100% on many of its customer standards during 2004-2005 including responding to: pollution incidents within two hours; applications for waste licences within four months; and applications for consent for work to be carried out in and around watercourses within two months.

Tony added: "Every business should be interested in CSR. It's a win-win situation: society benefits, and so does your business. For example, reducing waste helps the environment, cuts your materials costs and makes your products or services attractive to green or ethically-driven consumers."

If you would like a copy of A Better Place for Everyone call 08708 506 506 or email enquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk. It will also be available on the website: www.environment-agency.gov.uk.