Work with environmental sustainability in mind

This standard is about working with environmental sustainability in mind.

You will need to consider how your work activities impact on the environment and positive actions that you can take in the workplace to support environmental sustainability and the move towards a net zero future.  Undertake effective use of resources - minimising waste, re-using materials, recycling and correctly disposing of waste. 

In the context of this standard you are required to follow procedures with integrity and rigour, to follow relevant codes of practice and to complete actions and documents accurately and honestly.

This standard is for those that work in technical and craft roles throughout engineering construction including maintenance technicians (mechanical, electrical, instrumentation and controls), installers (mechanical, electrical and pipe), platers, welders, steel erectors, riggers, those that move loads, NDT technicians, onsite machinists and those that monitor the condition of plant and systems.

1. work in a way that contributes to **environmental sustainability** and the move towards a **net zero future**, in accordance with your organisation’s policies and targets 2. reduce your impact on the environment within the context of your role, following environmentally safe working practices and taking precautions to minimise environmental damage 3. report any environmental incidents, concerns or improvements that you identify 4. deal effectively with resources taking environmental considerations into account * minimise the production of waste wherever and however possible  * correctly dispose of waste materials * store re-usable materials and equipment in accordance with procedures

1. the purpose and importance of environmental sustainability and the move towards a net zero future in a typical workplace 2. environmental sustainability at your place of work and your responsibility in relation to this  3. how your role impacts on the environment and how this impact can be reduced 4. potential environmental incidents and their impact, relevant to your work and place of work  5. potential environmental improvements and opportunities relevant to your work and place of work 6. the procedures to follow in relation to communicating incidents, concerns and opportunities 7. the importance of using resources efficiently and effectively

Environmental sustainability is the use of energy and resources at a rate that satisfies needs without compromising the natural environment, or the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.   

The UK Government is committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 and to achieve this, the UK must deploy a range of technologies, including carbon capture and hydrogen, as well as minimising energy use to decarbonise the industrial and energy sectors.

As the sector responsible for designing, installing and maintaining industrial plant and infrastructure, the Engineering Construction Industry plays a critical role in hitting our climate change targets.