Sustainability Award
The sustainability award is presented to the local authority that demonstrated a holistic approach to achieving sustainable paths for all areas of council operation, and promotes sustainability and environmental initiatives to the population effectively.
Winner: Exeter City Council - Green Accord
Green Accord is the work of staff in Contract Development, now known as the Green Accord Team, within Exeter City Council's Contracts and Direct Services Unit. It forms part of ECC's contribution to the sustainable procurement agenda and has been developed with the help of environmental experts Envirowise and Global Action Plan (GAP).
Green Accord accreditation is awarded on successful completion and auditing of an on-line self assessment. This tool allows companies to measure their sustainable working practices and demonstrate their environmental technical competence.
The Self Assessment tool consists of 24 requirements focusing on waste, energy and water use, transport and equipment operations, and procurement and business practice. If not currently implemented, suppliers are encouraged to introduce new practices to ensure they meet many of these requirements and make more efficient and effective use of natural resources.
The pledges, made by self-assessment, are investigated and the Council accredit the company as providing: Red apple (select sustainable commitment), Yellow apple (superior sustainable commitment) or the highest, Green apple (premier sustainable commitment). Organisations that achieve Green Accord Status receive a certificate, and disc containing appropriate art work.
The tiered system of accreditation ensures all companies can reach a level of achievement regardless of company size, however, assistance from GAP and the tiered system also provides for 'incentivisation' encouraging suppliers to make improvements to achieve a higher level of accreditation.
For client bodies, adopting the Green Accord for their supply chains shows that they recognise their corporate social responsibility in terms of the environment, are actively engaging with their suppliers and are meeting the requirements of the Governments Sustainability Task Force's Flexible Framework (if a public body). There is no charge to the client for accreditation of their supply chain and minimum administration is involved as application is direct with the Green Accord.
The fee payable for auditing supporting evidence is £90 for companies with under 5 employees, and £180 for those with over five employees. Accreditation is valid for two years. GAP can provide further subsidised training, and assistance in obtaining an Environmental Management System, such as EMS Easy, is also available.
The Green Accord is central to the Council's wide reaching Sustainable Procurement Policy, and target to reduce carbon emissions by 20% by 2013.
Commended
Fife Council
Staffordshire County Council
Kirklees Council
Sutton Council
