Oldham Council aims to be one of the greenest local authorities in the country and is committed to protecting and improving our environment.
Environmental policy (PDF)
Contact the Environmental Policy Team:
Phone: 0161 770 3480
Oldham Council is working towards achieving the internationally recognised standard for Environmental Management Systems (ISO 14001).
To achieve this standard, Oldham Council needs to demonstrate:
A full understanding of how its activities can affect the environment
Environmental policy and objectives to reduce its impact on the environment
Procedures and controls to help it achieve environmental objectives
Oldham Council's corporate plan states the council’s four Corporate Objectives, that include.
A Confident Place – with safe neighbourhoods & clean, green spaces for all to enjoy
An Address of Choice – a healthy & active place with suitable housing for all
Services of Choice - quality services that provide value for citizens
As with any large organisation, Oldham Council can manage its activities to improve environmental performance. As a central community leader the council is also in a unique position to influence partners to improve their environmental performance.
Corporate Plan (PDF)
Oldham Council will achieve its environmental policy aims through environmental management and sustainable practices:
Develop, implement & maintain an Environmental Management System certified to the ISO 14001 standard.
Comply with all relevant environmental legislation as a minimum and exceed requirements where possible.
Control activities to reduce our negative environmental impacts, prevent pollution, and demonstrate continual improvement, whilst maximising our positive environmental impacts.
Raise and maintain the awareness and understanding of all staff of the Environmental Policy and work programmes.
Environmental regeneration: Conserve, enhance and as appropriate, restore priority habitats for wildlife consistent with Biodiversity Action Plans for Oldham Borough and the Peak District National Park.
Resource Use and addressing Climate Change: Minimise resource consumption across Council operations (including energy and water) and progress the use and generation of renewable energy.
Sustainable Design and Construction: Design and construct new schools and Council buildings to incorporate sustainable design and construction techniques, and utilise our influence in other construction projects in the Borough to follow these practices.
Sustainable Procurement: Developing our purchasing practices to increase the sustainability of Oldham Council’s procurement with regard to services, quantities, product types and whole life impacts.
Travel Planning: Minimise the environmental impacts of Council and employee travel by encouraging the use of sustainable alternatives to the car for journeys to, from and whilst at, work.
Waste Management and Recycling: Reduce waste generation across Council operations, reuse where appropriate, and implement recycling along with strategies to reduce waste volume.
Work in Partnership: To work with key partners in the public, private and voluntary sectors to ensure major strategies and plans are shaped and influenced by the whole community.