EMAS environmental management at five sites
UBA seeks to reduce pressure on environment caused by its travel on official business
The Federal Environment Agency (UBA) presented its new EMAS environmental statement on 2 December 2008 in Berlin, making a plea for environmental management at a high standard in public offices and businesses. ”The Federal Environment Agency practices what it preaches”, said Dr. Thomas Holzmann, Vice President of UBA, and pointed out that there are now five Agency sites that meet the strict requirements of the European Eco Management and Audit Scheme, EMAS. On the occasion of the opening of the EMAS conference in Berlin, he emphasised the pioneering role played by the Agency. ”In 2001 we were the first of any public office at all to be EMAS-registered. In 2003 we were the first to introduce ecological acquisition and purchasing, and now in 2008, we are the first public authority to establish guidelines for environmentally friendly travel on official business.” Holzmann encouraged businesses and public authorities to consider making a greater commitment to the environment in-house. ”Environmental protection not only benefits society at large, but also one’s own institution. It saves costs and improves image.”
