Transport executive gets green thumbs up

The way Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive (GMPTE) manages its impact on the environment has been given an international seal of approval.

GMPTE has received official confirmation that it has passed a special audit designed to ensure that it is managing its key environmental impacts effectively – including waste, energy and pollution levels.

The certification comes after GMPTE adopted an internationally recognised environmental management system – known as ISO 14001.

Dave Newton, GMPTE’s Transport Strategy Development Manager, said: “Balancing day-to-day operations with their impact on the environment is a big challenge for any large organisation.

“Achieving this certification means that we now have recognised policies and processes in place that help us to limit our environmental impacts. More importantly staff across GMPTE have been involved and engaged in the process.

“We are only the second PTE in the country to have achieved this certificate, which is testament to how seriously we are taking our environmental responsibilities.”

Adopting ISO 14001 has led to certain procedures being developed in relation to waste management, spill control, delivery and storage of oil and chemicals, and drainage systems.

It includes a fleet management system, which looks at the way GMPTE operates its fleet of distribution vehicles, as well as the kinds of vehicles used.

Utilities at all GMPTE sites are now metered and monitored, with a view to reducing energy use on things like lighting and heating.

And sustainable design guides are being developed to ensure that any future buildings are as energy efficient as possible. They will include factors like drainage, insulation and best use of natural light.

GMPTE has trained a total of 10 staff as a result of issues identified from ISO 14001, and will be providing around 40 staff with spill response training in the near future.

In order to fully comply with the standard, GMPTE had to apply for certification and undergo an independent external audit. This process will take place every year, alongside internal audits delivered by a team of trained staff.