ENVIRONMENT
United Energy Distribution (UED) is committed to minimising its impact on the natural environment. UED through its association with Jemena is a signatory to the Australian Greenhouse Challenge Program and the Electricity Supply Association of Australia's Code of Environmental Practice. UED's operations are managed under an environmental management system externally certified to the International Standard ISO 14001 through contracted arrangements with Jemena Asset Management (JAM), a wholly owned subsidiary of Jemena.
As an energy distributor, we recognise that our degree of influence extends well beyond our own energy network activities. The organisation is aware that our performance in this area will be increasingly important - not only to the community but also to many potential investors.
United Energy Distribution demonstrates its commitment to the environment by maintaining certification to the world-recognised benchmark International Standard ISO 14001 since June 2000. UED ensures operations are covered by an Environmental Management System (EMS) which is accredited to the International Standard ISO 14001. The EMS covers our electricity distribution activities, conducted from our various sites. Key aspects of our environmental management include:
- management of assets containing polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)
- oil and chemical spill response
- electro-magnetic field enquiries
- noise management
- recycling and waste management.
United Energy Distribution's operations are embraced under Jemena's commitment to the Commonwealth Government's Greenhouse Challenge Program. United Energy Distribution is continuing to develop initiatives aimed at reducing our greenhouse gas emissions.
Achievements:
Power Factor Correction
Power factor is the technical term used to describe voltage losses or inefficiencies incurred in the power distribution process. Since the beginning of 1997, United Energy Distribution has reduced these losses by over 100,000 tonnes of CO2-e. These savings account the equivalent of taking approximately 50 000 cars permanently off the road!
Monitoring Environmental Performance
United Energy Distribution develops an annual internal Environmental Performance Index (which conforms to ISO 14031) that enables us to monitor our environmental performance and progress toward achieving our environmental objectives and targets. Examples of these indicators are:
- the number of reported environmental incidents
- the completion of pro-active noise mitigation works
- the extent to which flora and fauna have been protected through infrastructure improvements
- the percentage of contractors that have certified Environmental Management Systems in accordance with ISO 14001.
Staff development
Environmental awareness training has been provided to all distribution personnel and senior contractors. Besides empowering staff regarding corporate environmentalism, this training enabled familiarisation with our environmental policy and objectives. In addition, operational personnel have been trained in oil spill management and incident reporting.
Green Office Program
UED also provides for environmental improvement through its association with Jemena's Green Teams. A successful "Green Office" program is underway at all Jemena sites. Projects such as reducing the volume of recyclable materials going to landfill, including office paper, food waste and bottles/cans UED has raised awareness about waste management amongst staff and reduced our environmental impact.
Hazardous Materials
Environmental hazard assessments have been completed at all distribution centres and improvement plans have been developed and implemented to manage any environmental impacts that may occur.
Future Vision
As a market driven supplier of energy distribution infrastructure, United Energy Distribution is committed to continue in its efforts to reflect and heighten community attitudes in regards to the environment.
Indigenous Planting Guide
United Energy Distribution publishes an Indigenous Planting Guide (PDF 3005kb), which provides information on indigenous trees which are suitable to plant near powerlines.
Electric and Magnetic Fields (EMFs)
In response to community interest about Electric and Magnetic Fields (EMFs), United Energy Distribution has, and will continue to provide, balanced and factual information about EMFs to the community.