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Ecological sustainability Introduction In 2018–19, the ABS continued its commitment to the principles of ecologically sustainable development as outlined in the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act). This commitment was reaffirmed in 2018–19 with the update of the ABS Environmental Policy. In accordance with the EPBC Act, the ABS has two key roles relating to ecologically sustainable development. The first is the ABS’ responsibility for providing statistics on the environment and environmental issues to enable informed decision making. The second is the impact of the ABS’ operations on the environment and the action being taken by the ABS to minimise that impact. In accordance with sub-section 516A (6), of the EPBC Act, the ABS’ performance is outlined below. 516A (6) (a) How do the activities of the organisation, and the administration of legislation by the organisation, accord with the principles of ecologically sustainable development? In accordance with the principles of ecologically sustainable development, the ABS pursues environmentally positive practices by:
The ongoing environmental considerations for the ABS are:
516A (6) (b) How do the outcomes specified in a relevant Appropriations Act contribute to ecologically sustainable development? The ABS receives appropriation for the purpose of producing statistics that inform decision making on a wide range of social and economic matters. The ABS works closely with the community and governments to further build information on environmental statistics, to complement the more established information bases on population, society and the economy. The focus of this development work is the integration of environmental statistics with Australia’s economic and social statistics. For more information on ABS statistical publications and developments, please refer to the ABS website for:
516A (6) (c) What is the effect of the organisation’s activities on the environment? The ABS’ activities are predominately office-based and have the potential to affect the environment through consumption of energy and water, waste production and waste sent to landfill. The ABS seeks to improve its performance by measuring and managing:
In 2018–19, the ABS completed its cycle of lease renewals on ABS properties. With the exception of our warehouse property, all have Green Lease Schedules designed to build a collaborative approach with landlords to managing environmental impacts of the ABS and the buildings it occupies.
516A (6) (d) What measures are taken by the organisation to minimise the impact of its activities on the environment? The ABS has sought to minimise its impact on the environment through a number of measures, including:
Complying with relevant Commonwealth and Territory environment legislation and the Australian Government’s environmental policies and initiatives The ABS has maintained its Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Energy Management Plan initiatives, developed in accordance with the Australian Government ICT Sustainability Plan 2010–2015, which included for 2018–19:
Encouraging and promoting environmentally sound procurement practices in compliance with Commonwealth Procurement Rules by:
Providing an environmentally sound workplace and implementing environmentally sound work practices All staff have access to flexible working arrangements, which has reduced the need to work at ABS offices full-time. This has reduced staff travel to and from offices, and reduced associated office resources use, such as electricity, paper and furniture. A knowledge framework, incorporating digital recordkeeping rather than paper records, has been implemented, with automatic recordkeeping facilities for ABS workgroup databases. Environmental efficiency measures have been incorporated into the market testing process for new leases with the integration of Green Lease Schedules for each new tenancy. We also have sought buildings with management systems to control tenancy lighting and drive reductions in energy use. Re-manufactured and recycled cartridges for photocopiers, faxes and printers are used wherever possible, and used printer cartridges are recycled. Technological solutions are used to allow collaboration and sharing of information virtually rather than by hardcopy.
Monitoring our energy performance and green lease commitments, and implementing processes of continuous improvement The ABS monitors its:
ABS fosters an environmentally responsible culture by supporting local Green Teams to raise environmental awareness and develop local initiatives. These are supported by a senior executive as Environment Champion, to promote and support sustainability initiatives. ABS collaborates with other APS agencies and other interested organisations in Melbourne and Canberra on sustainability initiatives.
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