A new sustainability policy, outlining actions the union is taking to reduce its impact on the environment is available on the Fórsa website. The policy was formally ratified by the union’s National Executive (NEC) in late September.

Reducing the use of paper, eliminating unnecessary travel (particularly by air) for work purposes where viable alternatives exist and lowering energy consumption in union offices are among the policy’s commitments.

Other measures include ensuring associates take account of sustainability issues in their contracted work and continued engagement with environmental organisations and community activism on the climate crisis.

Fórsa president Ann McGee welcomed the ratification of the policy. “Fórsa is an organisation with a wide reach and influence to enact positive change in our society, and this policy is a significant statement of our commitment to take action to address the climate crisis.”

Deputy general secretary Matt Staunton said the policy is something the union can be proud of. “This is an important piece of work and a set of guiding principles for changing how we work, to develop a more sustainable and environmentally conscious approach to everything we do,” he said.

The policy document sets out the scope, principals and practical steps being taken to reduce the impact work practices in Fórsa have on the environment, and applies to all Fórsa staff and buildings.

See the full policy HERE.