This policy sets out the SSB Programme commitments in relation to the environment and will apply to all SSB Programme activities including the forthcoming SSB Global Challenge to be launched in 2011.

As a partner, supporter or friend it is important you are aware of the commitments that this Environment Policy contains and what you can expect from the SSB programme in relation to minimizing its impact on the environment. Equally essential, employees, contractors and suppliers will need to comply with this Policy when providing any service to the Programme and Challenge.

Programme activities

The SSB Programme activities centre around identifying and promoting the best global SSB building practices which have low to zero impact on the environment. This includes the use of locally available resources and traditions to address local building needs.

The activities of the Programme will be undertaken with similar environmental consideration, that is, with low to zero impacts on the environment. This will be achieved by the following:

SSB programme administration use of versatile IT and tele-communication technologies for management of all meetings including administration support. This will allow the Programme to operate in a 'virtual' manner with minimal travel, use of paper and production of waste.

People and management operating in a flat organisational hierarchy with teams working in virtual groups to allow agile working and problem solving. The aim is to achieve the right balance of personal contact with 'virtualization'*. [*Virtualization allows digital representations of physical objects — be they people, machines, ideas or entities.]

Exhibitions and Events planning and implementation will follow the new international ISO 20121 standard for sustainability. Event planners, venues and other members of the event supply chain use the standard to implement, maintain and improve sustainability within their way of working.

Travel can have large impacts on the environment with up to three-quarters of an organisation’s greenhouse gas emissions. A business travel hierarchy is therefore required to minimize these impacts and emissions. This is shown in the accompanying graphic.

This Environment Policy will ensure minimal overheads cost for the SSB Programme and low to zero impact of its activities on the environment. This will ensure 'Prompt and practical actions for a sustainable future' are the key focus of the Programme.

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