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• We do more than just put out fires!

Protecting the environment

• Introduction
• Operational Activities
• Technical Support
• Purchasing Policy
• Buildings.

Introduction

In addition to protecting lives and property from fire, safeguarding the environment plays an increasingly important role in the Fire Service.

The majority of the emergencies we deal with have environmental implications, such as the effects of fire, flood, storms and chemical spills which can endanger life, the environment and property. As an organisation, we endeavour to take all precautions that are reasonably practical to minimize the impact on the environment during the incidents we attend, seeking advice from other agencies as required.

In addition to our responsibility to protect the environment while attending Operational incidents, we are also a major employer in East Sussex and as such undertake a number of initiatives in non-operational areas to reduce the impact we have on the environment.

Operational Activities.

What we do.

During 2009/10 East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service :-

• Attended 93 incidents which were notified to the Environment Agency.
• Attended 161 incidents where Environment Agency supplied 'Environmental Grab Packs' and other protective equipment was used.
• Continued to deliver our service in ways that safeguard the environment by training our staff and engaging with the public and partners to proactively reduce the incidences of pollution by the ongoing development of training, service delivery and procedures.
• Continued to work with the Environment Agency to ensure an effective local and strategic response to incidents.
• Continue to operate in accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding with the Environment Agency and West Sussex Fire Service.
• Attended 18 incidents which were supported by our trained Hazardous Materials and Emergency Protection Officers.

What we plan to do.

During 2010/11 we plan to:-

• Continue to work within the operational procedures for tackling large scale fires in the open with the Environment Agency and the Ashdown Forest Board of Conservators.
• Take full ownership of the New Dimensions (National Resilience) equipment and appliances to improve our effectiveness when dealing with environmental incidents, such as the High Volume Pumps.
• Work with other services in our region through our involvement in the Regional Management Board to effectively deal with large scale incidents to ensure a co-ordinated and strategic response.
• Continue to work to reduce the pollution caused at operational incidents.
• Continue to analyse the risk of fluvial and coastal flooding and the vulnerabilities that they cause on the impact of service delivery.
• Publish details of risk information gathered in relation to the SSSI’s, ground water vulnerabilities and water sources (bore holes).

Technical Support.

What we do.

• Successful application of environmentally friendly 1-7 Foam into the Service reducing the use of water.
• All Service vehicles now use a single fuel, Clean City diesel.
• Ongoing replacement of old, inefficient vehicles with those incorporating modern lean burn technology.
• All Workshops are registered as waste sites and recycle oil and other fluids thus ensuring that the Service complies to regulations governing such sites. Tyres on vehicles are re-grooved where ever it is safe to do so to extend their life. Air driven and battery operated tools have been introduced to reduce workshop electricity consumption.
• Service computers are upgraded rather than replaced where practical, Flat screen (Thin Client Technology) introduced to reduce energy consumption. Latest ‘blade’ technology used to reduce power consumption in server rooms.
• Introduction on all sites of multi-purpose photocopiers (combining copying, printing and faxes in one machine), thus enabling printing direct from terminals and removing need for reliance upon laser printers, reducing the number of printers, copiers and faxes required saving overall costs including energy use.
• Introduction of wholly recyclable plastic bodies on new appliances.
• Use of synthetic oils that reduce the need for changes in oil and prolong engine life without harming the environment.
• Introduction of Ecoflex engine technology into new light fleet vehicles.

What we plan to do.

During the next few years we plan to:-

• 2010
  • Appoint and work with a Lead Member who will champion environmental issues at the Fire Authority.
  • Introduce the 'Green Champions' group to help deliver real savings across all workplaces.
  • Work with other carbon reduction partners at a strategic and local level.
  • Implementation of new policy to reduce ‘grey fleet’ mileage.
  • Reduction of fleet mileage to support 3.5% reduction in carbon emissions.
  • Introduce new hand held radios with more efficient rechargeable batteries into the Service.
  • Work with regional partner to implement an Environmental Management System (EMS).
  • Introduce Smart Meter technology into all sites to remotely monitor and manage fuel usage from SHQ.
  • Work with strategic partners on the East Sussex Climate Change Board.
  • Work with Motorvate' (Energy Savings Trust) to build on the green fleet review and develop priority areas for improvement.
• 2011
  • Pilot the use of electric vehicles and evaluate and compare them against equivalent conventional vehicles.
  • Investigate the potential for alternative fuels generated by wind, sun or other alternative energy.
  • Capture rain water for use as grey water recycling option at SHQ and other selected sites.
• 2012
  • Start of compliance with City of Brighton clean air policy.

Purchasing Policy.

What we do.

• Toner cartridges on all printers and copiers are recyclable and being recycled.
• All packaging received in deliveries to Service stores in Hailsham are recycled through a centre in Lewes.
• Local suppliers deliver janitorial supplies directly to fire stations reducing duplication of journeys and increasing efficiency of both Companies.
• Policy implemented to purchase only genuine replacement vehicle batteries which last up to 4 times longer than those available from other sources thus reducing quantity of waste batteries produced by the Service.
• ICT products only sourced from suppliers adhering to Government Legislation relating to end of life and recyclability of their products.
• Ensure wherever possible that ethical procurement features as part of our purchasing arrangements.

What we plan to do.

During the next few years we plan to:-

• 2010
  • Review the waste management contract currently in place to assure ourselves that we are achieving VFM and making environmental improvements.
  • Initiate a new cleaning contract which seeks to use only environmentally friendly cleaning products.
• 2011
  • Further develop our practices in order better understand our supply chains and their impact on the environment.

Buildings.

What we do.

• Capital funding has been made available for the foreseeable future of £1,000,000 per annum, together with Revenue funding of up to £400,000 per annum. Within this £50,000 per annum has been allocated for energy efficiency measures, in addition all works programmes allowances have been made for upgrading energy efficiency and reducing waste.
• Two surveys of all premises has been carried out by the Carbon Trust (2004 and 2008) identifying main cost savings that can be achieved and payback periods. Results of this have been fed into the Capital and Programmes which are now in their sixth year since funding was agreed.
• All Service properties have been upgraded (where possible) to include cavity and loft insulation throughout. Majority of sites now have double glazing to all external windows and doors.
• All Service housing has had water meters installed to monitor water use, minimising both waste and standing charges.
• All Service premises except Service housing have water saving devices fitted to all urinals.
• Condensing boilers and/or control systems have been renewed and upgraded to achieve AAA rated energy requirements.
• Reflective film applied to premises windows to improve security and reduce energy costs.
• Shredded paper recycled from elsewhere to commence fire burns at the Service Training Centre.
• Wood used in fire burns predominantly off-cuts of clean wood chip, etc, cut to size and kept in controlled conditions, to reduce burn time and pollutants.
• Low energy lighting is used throughout HQ, lighting to open areas being controlled by individual movement and light sensitive sensors.
• The heating installation in HQ is zoned between floors and areas on each floor, in addition local programmable thermostats are fitted to allow efficient and appropriate use of the heating system.
• 90% of all sites using 1:7 foam now have interceptor tanks beneath the drill yard to capture foam run-off.

What we plan to do.

During the next few years we plan to:-

• 2010
  • Investigate options for utilising ground water inverter for grey and hot water provision.
  • Improve options for recycling at all sites.
  • Install smart meters into all buildings.
  • Develop a waste management policy.
• 2011
  • Seek alternative fuel types for selected buildings (solar, wind, turbine)
  • Develop new and major refurbishments in accordance with the BREAMM standards.
  • Enlist as part of the Carbon Management Programme.