Greening the FCO

Situation

The FCO is committed to putting environmental considerations at the heart of the way it is run and ensuring that all its operations at home and overseas are managed sustainably.

Solution

To achieve this, the FCO looks to the support and guidance of our Sustainable Operations Support Team. We advise FCO departments and embassies around the world on legislation, sustainability targets and how to reduce their carbon footprint.

Impact

In 2008 we participated in the Public Procurement Leadership Collaboration (Carbon Disclosure) Project as a major partner of the FCO. This initiative is designed to help organisations understand the part played by suppliers in their overall 'carbon footprint'. By collaborating with the FCO in identifying our wider carbon impact, we can work more closely together to develop innovative carbon reducing products and services.

Overseas, our environmental management services and practical technical support have helped embassies worldwide make use of low carbon and renewable technologies and reduce their carbon footprint, with schemes including energy control systems, 'Smart' (i.e. remote) monitoring and passive energy reduction systems such as insulation.

In 2008, the FCO's environmental management system was re-accredited to ISO 14001, an international quality standard awarded to organisations with high standards in environmental management. Our joint initiatives enable the FCO to contribute towards wider government targets for the sustainability of the government estate and act as a leading example to the public and private sectors, as well as the general public.