New figures in the agency’s first internal environment management update show that during the past five years, the organisation has also reduced its mileage by 33%, clamped down on building energy consumption by 15% and reduced mains water use by 18%.

The agency measures its environmental performance in five key areas, with ambitious 2015 targets set for each. One of these is to reduce CO2 emissions by 33% by 2015 from 2006-7 levels.

It estimates that by taking these measures, over £6M cost savings in total have been achieved so far across the organisation.

The agency is now calling on other big businesses to disclose more robust information on environmental reporting following a recent study it compiled that revealed not enough companies are providing environmental statistics in line with government guidance.

Environment Agency chief executive, Dr Paul Leinster, said: “Big organisations often have a big environmental footprint. Transport, energy and waste all contribute and need to be managed, measured and reduced. Those that do so effectively will reduce costs and improve their reputation.

“In the future, we’ll see higher energy prices, more carbon reporting and greater competition for resources. Good environmental management helps address each and also helps to reduce our running costs.

“Our own experience shows that focusing on a few important measures, embedding them into every team and reporting to the board each year are key to success.”

Maxine Perella

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