Environmental Policy

Policy statement

The Musicians’ Union recognises that it has a responsibility to the environment beyond legal and regulatory requirements. We are committed to reducing our environmental impact and continually improving our environmental performance as an integral part of our business strategy and operating methods. We will encourage employees, MU members, suppliers and contractors to do the same.

Responsibility

The General Secretary, Naomi Pohl, is responsible for ensuring that the environmental policy is implemented. However, all employees have a responsibility in their area to ensure that the aims and objectives of the policy are met.

Policy aims

We endeavour to:

• Comply with and exceed all relevant regulatory requirements.
• Continually improve and monitor environmental performance.
• Continually improve and reduce environmental impacts.
• Incorporate environmental factors into business decisions.
• Increase employee awareness and training.

Paper and plastic

• We will minimise the use of paper and plastic in the office.
• We will reduce packaging as much as possible.
• We will seek to buy recycled and recyclable paper products.
• We will reuse and recycle all paper where possible.
• We will work towards becoming a zero-plastic organisation as soon as possible.

Energy and water

• We will seek to reduce the amount of energy and water used as much as possible.
• Lights, electrical equipment, taps and heating will be switched off when not in use.
• Heating will be adjusted with energy and water consumption in mind.
• The energy consumption and efficiency of new products will be taken into account when purchasing.

Office supplies, marketing materials and merchandise

• When considering purchasing new equipment or ordering supplies, we will evaluate if the need can be met in another way. We will endeavour to reduce waste and not over- order.
• We will evaluate if renting/sharing is an option, or purchasing second hand, before purchasing any new equipment.
• We will evaluate the environmental impact of any new products we intend to purchase or materials we wish to produce.
• We will favour more environmentally friendly and efficient products wherever possible.
• We will reuse and recycle everything we are able to.

Transportation

• We will reduce the need to travel, restricting to necessity trips only.
• We will promote the use of alternatives to travel such as email or video/phone conferencing.
• We will make additional efforts to accommodate the needs of those using public transport or bicycles.
• We will favour ‘green’ vehicles and maintain them rigorously to ensure ongoing efficiency.

Maintenance and cleaning

• Cleaning materials used will be as environmentally friendly as possible.
• Materials used in office refurbishment will be as environmentally friendly as possible.
• We will only use licensed and appropriate organisations to dispose of waste.

Monitoring and improvement

• We will aim to continually improve and monitor environmental performance.
• We will aim to continually improve and reduce environmental impacts.
• We will incorporate environmental factors into business decisions.
• We will increase employee awareness through training.
• We will review this policy and any related business issues on a regular basis.

Culture

• We will involve employees in the implementation of this policy, for greater commitment and improved performance.
• We will work with employees, MU members, suppliers and contractors to improve their environmental performance.
• We will use local labour and materials where available to reduce CO2 and help the community.

A Green New Deal

The MU supports proposals, including those included in Labour Party policy, for a Green New Deal. A Green New Deal would address climate change, create jobs, and reduce economic inequality.