Gloucestershire Constabulary Retains ISO 14001 Certification, Maintaining Its Status as the Greenest Police Force in the UK.
Gloucestershire Constabulary proudly retains its title as the greenest police force in the United Kingdom, standing as the sole recipient of international recognition for its unwavering commitment to environmental management. The recent inspection affirms the force's dedication to measuring energy consumption, reducing waste, and driving continuous improvement in eco-friendly practices.
Stringent Standards and International Recognition
Undergoing inspection every six months by external experts, Gloucestershire Constabulary remains the only police force in the UK to secure the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) 14001:2015 Certification for Environmental Management. A more rigorous inspection every three years ensures the constabulary's steadfast commitment to maintaining these demanding standards.
Leading by Example
Police and Crime Commissioner Chris Nelson lauds the constabulary's achievement, stating, “By maintaining its position as the only force in the UK to hold ISO 14001 certification, we are showing our continuous improvement in environmental issues and setting an example for other forces in the country to follow.”
Comprehensive Environmental Management
ISO certification involves a thorough examination of how an organisation handles various environmental management aspects. For Gloucestershire Constabulary, this includes waste management, carbon output reduction in its fleet, and other related policies. The force's fleet of 435 vehicles, featuring internal combustion engines, hybrids, and fully electric vehicles, positions it as the country's largest fully-electric fleet by percentage, with 21% of the vehicles being fully electric.
Innovative Fleet Management
While none of the vehicles serve as response vehicles, the majority aid local investigation teams, contributing to annual savings of 283 tonnes of CO2. Notably, 11 fully marked police cars with 'zero emission' labelling convey a strong environmental message to the public. The shift to electric vehicles is anticipated to result in savings of around £140,000 per year, encompassing decreased fuel costs and servicing expenses compared to traditional diesel vehicles.
A Trailblazer in Environmental Certification
Gloucestershire Constabulary stands out as the only police force in the country to hold the ISO 14001 environmental certification, first awarded in 2007 and recently recertified for the fifth time. Environmental Manager Mandy Gibbs expresses pride, stating, "Our ambition now is to show our continuous improvement by achieving carbon net-zero by 2035.”
The constabulary's unwavering dedication to environmental excellence not only positions it as a national champion but also underscores the vital role that public institutions can play in fostering a sustainable and eco-conscious future.
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