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Background
Given its role as the National Laboratory for Sustainable Energy, it is essential that Risø DTU undertakes a commitment to act in a sustainable manner and by doing this contributes to sustainable development.
At the same time, it must be apparent to the outside world that Risø DTU is a responsible institution and conscious of its own responsibilities.
Furthermore, a shared commitment to acting in a sustainable manner will strengthen the identity of the organisation in its role as the National Laboratory for Sustainable Energy.
Scope
Risø’s policy on sustainability is initially limited to encompassing measures and initiatives aimed at reducing climate-related emissions of CO2 and other greenhouse gases as well as the institution’s energy consumption. Impacts associated with travel related activities will also be factored in. Measures aimed at reducing Risø’s energy consumption and procuring sustainable energy supplies, e.g. through Risø’s own generation of electricity from renewable energy sources, will also be included, whereas CO2 emissions and energy consumption related to products procured from external suppliers will not be included.
Applicability
The policy applies to Risø’s employees and guests and to the use and layout of buildings, facilities and areas to the extent that decisions fall within the Risø management mandate.
Object
It is Risø’s policy to act responsibly in relation to climate issues and to minimise the impact of the institution’s activities on the climate through ongoing and committed efforts. This means that:
- Risø will work to establish its carbon foot print, as knowing the current environmental and climate impact of its activities is a precondition for engaging in well-founded sustainability efforts and for being able to pinpoint the effects of the measures and initiatives introduced.
- Risø will work to become a role model for sustainability within DTU and in relation to Danish enterprises.
- Risø will incorporate concerns about sustainability in the planning of its research activities.
- Risø will work to influence sustainable decisions as regards to buildings and other areas in which the institution does not hold independent decision-making powers.
- Risø will work to ensure that all employees assume responsibility with regard to sustainability.
- Risø will work for a sustainable energy supply, e.g. by producing wind power to meet a proportion of its electricity requirements.
Tailored to Risø’s objectives and activities
The measures and initiatives must be tailored to Risø’s objectives and activities. For example, the impact of current and new research activities on the climate must be considered in both the short term and the long term.
As a consequence of the above, it must be ensured that the impact of current and future activities on the climate is minimised.
Implementing policy
Communication is the key to ensure that specific initiatives and the results of such activities are visible to the employees and the management, both at Risø and at DTU as a whole.
The implementation of the policy requires thoughtfulness, a sense of responsibility and initiative on the part of both the management and the individual employee, and Risø’s sustainability must be addressed by the various parts of the Risø organisation regularly.
Policy, objectives and action plans
The policy, objectives and action plans are revised once a year and approved by the Risø management forum (RLF).
Risø DTU October 1, 2009
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