Report of the Ministry for the Environment for the year ended 30 June 2005

1 Overview

2 Statement of Service Performance for the Year Ended 30 June 2005

3 Financial Statements for the Ministry for the Environment

4 Non-Departmental Schedules

5 Environmental Report

6 Management of the Ministry

7 Contact Information

5 Environmental Report (continued)

Materials Used

Publications

The Ministry produced a total of 182 different reports, brochures, booklets etc in 2004/05. This is a 3.5% reduction in the overall number of publications from the previous year (200 in 2003/04). The paper content of physical publications was 15 tonnes or 65 kg per full time equivalent staff member (FTE). This is a 23% increase in weight from 2003/04 (11 tonnes - 200 items), but remains well below the comparative figure for 2001/02 (22.5 tonnes - 126 items).

The number and type of publications continues to reflect the diversity of the Ministry's work programme and its commitment to keeping stakeholders informed through both printed materials and its website. The Ministry continues to limit the initial print runs of major publications to avoid stockpiles (of the 182 publications, 16 were reprints). The number of web-based only publications increased to 53 (compared to 21 in 2004/05).

An estimated 98% of publications by weight were chlorine-free (97% in 2003/04), and 65% of paper content by weight was recycled (60% in 2003/04).

Office paper

During the 2004/05 period the Ministry has slightly increased the total use of A4 copier and headed paper by 3.1% to 7.06 tonnes (6.8 tonnes in 2003/04). However, taking into consideration the increase in staff numbers, this reflects a 6% decrease to 12.3 reams per FTE (13.1 reams per FTE in 2003-2004). Through paper saving measures such as printers and photocopiers with duplexing ability, set up of computers by the Information Management Team, and staff training, the Ministry expects this downward trend to continue. The results exceed our commitment to a 10% reduction to 17 reams per FTE from 2001/02.

During the 2004/05 year approximately 97% of office paper used was 100% recycled and totally chlorine free (93% in 2003/04).

In addition, the Ministry now has a policy of using 100% recycled and chlorine free stationery.

After surveying the major office paper suppliers in New Zealand, the Ministry is currently working on paper purchasing guidance for government and other sectors. In addition to recycled content and bleaching methods, this survey took into account whether paper comes from native forest sources and if it has any sustainable forest or life-cycle certification. The Ministry is considering incorporating these new categories into the 2005/06 Environmental Report.

Table 1: Our performance over time

	Actual 2004/05	Actual 2003/04	Actual 2002/03	Actual 2001/02
Weight of publications per staff member (kg)	65 kg	53 kg	41 kg	162 kg
Reams of copier paper per staff member (number)	12.3	13.1	18.8	19.4

 

Key targets and commitments	Progress at 30 June 2005
Continue to reduce reams of paper used per staff member.	Ongoing: Continue to produce more of our publications as web or email only publications.
Review target for reams of paper used per FTE for next few years.	Achieved: A 37% reduction in paper use per FTE has been achieved since 2001/02.
	Revised commitment: Review reduction targets for office paper.