DFID has many programmes in place on a global scale to drive forward climate adaptation. Adaptation is a necessary response and involves understanding climate risk, managing impacts, integrating risk into development practices and finance. Many countries are already struggling to manage effects of current climate variability (e.g. drought; vulnerability to extreme weather events. DFID’s Climate Smart agenda involves looking at all aspects of our estate management to ensure adaptation is considered as part of the Strategic Programme reviews.
DFID does not have any Sites of Specific Scientific interest and there is no biodiversity at our site in London. We do have biodiversity at our site in East Kilbride and we have an action plan in place. We have completed site habitat surveys of AH to identify nationally or locally important species, more fully assess the significance of the impacts of activities and identify priorities for management. The site is not designated for nature conservation and the survey report did not note any protected or locally important species at the time of the audit. However, we do have wild orchids in the grounds which are a protected species and bloom during the summer months. The audit report also highlighted that overall the site has considerable potential for enhancement. The action plan includes proposals to significantly improve plant life and we have recently put in place more bird feeders and hedgehog boxes.
DFID introduced a new facilities management team to both our UK offices in January 2011 which included catering services. An integral part of the contract was ensuring the procurement of food that meets British or equivalent production standards, and to reduce the environmental impacts of food and catering services and support a healthy balanced diet.
DFID actively promotes the social aspects of sustainable development. In 2011/12 we had over 23 members of staff in the UK who have already taken volunteering days. We have a health and well-being team who actively promote gym membership to staff. DFID’s welfare team ensures that all staff can expect excellent levels of support through all the major changes due to take place in the department over the next few years. We actively promote the cycle to work scheme and have upgraded our cycling facilities to encourage more cyclists in the UK offices.
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