PTS turns over a new leaf on Green Management

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Protect Our Earth

Treasure Our Resources

Save Our Energy

May this year, saw the formation of the Police Training School's Green Management Committee chaired by PTS Green Manager, Deputy Commandant Mr Mark Buxton. OffBeat takes a look at what has been accomplished in the first two months of operation.

An Environmental Policy and Mission Statement was an obvious starting point for the new committee. Recognising PTS's ideal position to assist in the education of officers, the Committee sought to increase awareness of the importance of Green Management and to encourage staff and trainees to better protect and preserve the environment. The recycling of waste materials, conservation and reduction in use of resources together with the concept of 'Green Offices' were established as being some of the key objectives of the Committee. Divisional 'Green Leaders' and 'Green Effort Teams' steer and facilitate the implementation of environmental programmes. They assist in the dissemination of information, promotion of initiatives and encouragement of suggestions and feedback from staff and trainees.

Initiatives & Programmes for Change

So how will PTS achieve its goals? Looking at one of the most common areas of over-utilisation of resources, simply encouraging end-users to eliminate unnecessary usage of lighting has already had a significant effect. The fitting of energy-saving fluorescent lighting and encouraging maximum use of natural lighting have also assisted. Notices have been placed on electronic equipment, including computers and monitors, to remind users to 'Switch-it-off' when they are not required. Staff and trainees are encouraged to use stairs rather than elevators. The New Teaching Block is fitted with three elevators, two of which are turned off during off-peak hours. The use of air-conditioning as a significant source of electricity was identified. A simple matter of choosing to either open a window or use air-conditioning, but not both, will reduce unnecessary wastage of electricity and the use of window blinds to deflect bright sunlight and heat will reduce the requirement for air-conditioning.

Water pressure has also been lowered to reduce consumption. The quick reporting and repair of leaking water further reduces unnecessary wastage.

Waste management has received a great deal of attention at PTS. Staff and trainees are encouraged to use the PEN system and E-mail more, thereby reducing the reliance on paper. The utilisation of double sided photocopying has almost halved the amount of paper used and more care is now taken in the re-use of envelopes.

Waste paper, can and plastic bottle collection points have been strategically placed around PTS and the contents are then centrally collected for recycling. The Committee have even arranged the purchase of a can and bottle-crushing machine.

Designated no-smoking areas help maintain clean air zones in classes and offices in PTS whilst all air-conditioning outlets, filters and cooling coils are regularly cleaned and serviced. Temperature is subsequently controlled at an optimum level.

Vehicles are also a target for the 'Green Team' with PTS strictly enforcing an 'Engine-off when not in motion' policy thereby reducing the amount of noxious fumes in the air and, at the same time, saving fuel.

Getting the Message Across

The PTS newsletter, a similar publication to OffBeat, has become 'web-based' and contains information about Green Management including ideas and suggestions. The inclusion of 'Green' topics in training courses at PTS, and the prominent display of posters and notices reminding each of us of our responsibilities to assist in the dissemination of 'Green Messages'.

The Committee members are currently working on production of a training video to assist in the education of colleagues. Mr Mark Buxton explained: "As a valuable training aid, an educational video could assist in providing officers with a different perspective to Green Management. Officers might recognise areas where they can change and make a positive difference."

The Future

By way of outside visits and enhanced communications with various governmental and private bodies, assistance and advice has been sought for the continued development of PTS's 'Green Vision'. Having already lived some of the benefits of 'Going Green', the staff and trainees of PTS are now more determined than ever to continue on their 'Green Course'.

"This is not simply a short-term project," said Mr Buxton. "We have our sights set on continued achievement and development facilitated by interaction and the exchange of ideas. Spreading the 'Green Word' throughout the Force is one of our aims. We are looking to change for good."

OffBeat will closely follow developments at PTS and keep you updated in future issues on implementation of a 'Green Lifestyle'.

Mission Statement 1. To steer the pursuit of green management within Training Wing. 2. To devise green management initiatives and launch co-ordinated programmes to implement them. 3. To integrate Training Wing resources and efforts towards the goal of environmental compatibility. 4. To monitor and measure progress on this front. 5. To facilitate the sharing of experience and information on environmental protection. 6. To enhance environmental awareness within Training Wing through publicity, education and training.

Slogan forGreen Management Winner (K squad) Protect our earth Treasure our resources Save our energy 1st runner - up (D squad) Pollution is horrible, Protect our environment as soon as possible, You and me try to do so, The world becomes wonderful! 2nd runner - up (E squad) 1. Not want! Not waste! 2. Do your part for earth! Recycle, Reuse, Reduce! 3. Come on everybody! Save the earth together!