HELLENIC MINISTRY OF NATIONAL DEFENCEGENERAL DIRECTORATE FOR FINANCIAL PLANNING AND

SUPPORTDIRECTORATE OF MILITARY & TECHNOLOGICAL SUPPORT

DEPARTMENT OF INFRASTRUCTURE

ENVIRONMENTAL POLICYOF THE

HELLENIC MINISTRY OF NATIONAL DEFENCE

FEBRUARY 2014

GREEK EDITIONAuthors: Major (HAF Aircraft Engineer) Nektarios Alexandris, MSc [Head of the Energy Efficiency Office of the HMoD Department of Infrastructure] Apostolos Nikolopoulos, Chemical Engineer, PhD [Staff Member of the Environmental Protection of the HMoD Department of Infrastructure]Authors’ Editor: Colonel (HAF Infrastructure Engineer) Georgios Drosos, ΜSc, DIC [Head of the HMoD Department of Infrastructure]

ENGLISH EDITIONEnglish Translation by: Registry and Linguistics Directorate of the General Staff of ArmyTranslation Revising by: Master Sergeant Dimitra Drakoulaki Captain (HAF Infrastructure Engineer) Nikolaos Kotsampasis, MBA Major (HAF Aircraft Engineer) Nektarios Alexandris, MSc Colonel (HAF Infrastructure Engineer) Georgios Drosos, MSc, DICCover Designer: Captain (HAF Infrastructure Engineer) Elena Papazoglou

Coordination - Copy Editing: HMoD Department of Infrastructure [of the Directorate of Military and Technological Support (DMTS) of the General Directorate for Financial Planning and Support (GDFPS) of the Hellenic Ministry of National Defence (HMoD)]

Photographs Presentation: General Staffs (GSs) and GDFPS of the HMoD

Typesetting - Printing - Binding: Hellenic Army’s Printing Office (HAPRO)

Copyright©: 2014, HMoD Department of Infrastructure, http://www.greenarmedforces.mil.gr

ISBN: 978-618-80914-3-6

The republication or reproduction of this work as a whole or parts thereof is prohibited in any way, as well as its translation or exploitation, according to the provisions of Law 2121/1993 and international conventions. Furthermore the reproduction of the page set up, of the cover and of all the artistic of the work in general is also prohibited in any means, according to the Law 2121/1993.

HELLENIC MINISTRY OF NATIONAL DEFENCE

ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY OFTHE HELLENIC MINISTRY OF

NATIONAL DEFENCE

2014

I N D E X PAGE

Preface 11

Introduction 13

CHARTER 1: General 15

CHARTER 2: Objectives and Basics Pillars 17

CHARTER 3: Fields of Environmental Interest 21 3.1. Climate Change 21 3.2. Energy 21 3.3. Soil 21 3.4. Air 22 3.5. Marine Environment 22 3.6. Inland Waters 22 3.7. Nature and Biodiversity 22 3.8. Acoustic Noise - Vibrations 23 3.9. Hazardous Substances and Materials 24 3.10. Waste 24 3.11. Cultural Heritage 25 3.12. Interaction of Environmental Issues 25

CHARTER 4: Principles 27 4.1. Armed Forces Exemplary Behaviour 27 4.2. Prevention - Proper Care 27 4.3. Precaution 27 4.4. Proportionality 28 4.5. Proximity - Fighting at the source 28 4.6. ‘‘The polluter pays’’ 28 4.7. Transparency 28 4.8. Interservice function - Interoperability 28

CHARTER 5: Means 29 5.1. Strategic Planning and Target Setting 29 5.2. Development of Internal Regulatory Framework 29 5.3. Training - Education - Personnel Awareness 29 5.4 Supervision - Monitoring 30 5.5 Lifecycle Analysis of Material, Materiel Activities and Works 30 5.6. Sustainable Supply of Materials and Services (‘‘Green Supplies’’) 30 5.7. Funding 31 5.8. Establishment of Cooperation 32 5.9. Social Contribution 32 5.10. Development of Environmental and Energy Management Systems 33

CHARTER 6: Structure and Competences 35 6.1. Environmental and Energy Protection Bodies 35 6.2. Integration of Environmental Protection Personnel Duties 35

CHARTER 7: Review 37

Epilogue 39

HELLENIC MINISTRY OF NATIONAL DEFENCE

ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY OF

THE HELLENIC MINISTRY OF

NATIONAL DEFENCE

February 2014

11

Preface

by the Alternate Minister of NationalDefence

The current Environmental Policy of the Hellenic Ministry of National Defence is a product of thorough review and revision of the initial publication dated since 2007 and includes the fundamental

framework for the integration of the principles of sustainable development in the activities of the Hellenic Ministry of National Defence and the adoption of proper principles, means and structures for the constant improvement of the environmental indicators set. Its basic pillars are compliance to the environmental legislation, recognition of all the environmental aspects of the Armed Forces functions, prevention of pollution and the rational management of energy and natural resources. The binding implementation of this environmental policy constitutes the expressed will of the Ministry’s political leadership, whereas a critical parameter of its successful application is the provision of the General Staffs and General Directorates of the Hellenic Ministry of National Defence for consistent briefing and overall participation of the Armed Forces staff, aiming at the environmental awareness and active action, both in terms of experience and as an example set, of all the Armed Forces officers throughout the Chain of Command.

Foteini Gennimata Alternate Minister of National Defence

12

INTRODUCTION

Environmental Policy of theHellenic Ministry of National Defence

The wealth offered by the Greek soil and subsoil, in combination to the broad existence of renewable energy sources, indicate a way which can offer only apparent benefits. Based on that criterion, all the parties concerned, from the base of society until any political leadership, are called to contribute so that the utilisation of the said environmental components, which undoubtedly constitute important comparative advantages for Greece, will be the base for the country’s course to revival.

The Hellenic Ministry of National Defence, in the context of the said effort, took initiatives and proceeded to the review and revision of the 2007 Environmental Policy, integrating the components of integrated Strategic Planning of the Environment and Energy Sector of the Hellenic Ministry of National Defence which was approved a year ago, with a dual purpose: on one hand, to contribute to the wider effort of the country for implementation of sustainable development principles and on the other to increase as much as possible the Units’ operational readiness of the Armed Forces personnel, following modern doctrines and practices for operations, training, support and logistics, as well as international trends, innovations and developments in research and technology.

The updated Environmental Policy of the HMoD is based on the vision which dictates the Hellenic Armed Forces sustainability and is summarised in the triptych “Mission Accomplishment – Environmental Protection – Togetherness with Society”, taking into consideration the national legislation in force and the respective directives and models of the Alliance and the EU. In conclusion it correlates to the foundation stone of development for a model of sustainable evolution of the Hellenic Armed Forces. This model is based on a particular framework of assumptions, targets, principles and means for the undertaking of proper targeted actions.

13

The Armed Forces officers will have to play an important role in the implementation of the said Environmental Policy of the HMoD, constituting a high priority institutional document of the Ministry, demonstrating a sentiment of social responsibility and consistent environmental attitude and behaviour.

14

CHAPTER 1

General

1.1 Recognising the strong connection between environment and development, the World Commission on Environment and Development of the UN, formulated for the first time in 1987 the concept of “sustainable” development, according to which the current needs will have to be satisfied without risking the capability of future generations to satisfy their own needs. The implementation of sustainable development is based on three (3) interlinking and inter-supported pillars of financial well-being, of social equality and environmental protection.

1.2 In the year 1992, at the UN World Conference for Environment and Development, 172 states, one of which was Greece, committed to adopt 27 principles which frame sustainable development and to apply them at all the policy levels.

1.3 According to the Constitution of Greece, the protection of natural and cultural environment constitutes an obligation of the state and a right to any citizen. All the measures taken to this direction will have to be integrated to the framework of the sustainability principle.

1.4 During the accomplishment of their mission, the Armed Forces interact with the natural and man-made environment. In order to accomplish their mission, the Armed Forces must have natural and energy resources at their disposal, necessary for efficient training and effective operations against modern and imminent threats, but also against the challenges of the future. The implementation of sustainable development principles provides the framework of securing the said resources.

1.5 The Ministry of National Defence of the Hellenic Republic:

a. as one of the most dependable bodies of military power at an international level,

15

b. as one of the greatest state bodies at a national level,

c. as a body which is affected by the environmental damage caused by third parties,

d. as an inevitable polluter, in the context of its mission’s accomplishment and finally

e. as a body that provides assistance to the management of emergencies at a national and international level, is called to act on environmental issues, located or taking place in the Armed Forces area of responsibility, or caused as an effect of various Armed Forces activities, in times of peace as well as in times of crisis.

16

CHAPTER 2

Objectives and Basic Pollars

2.1 The objective of the Environmental Policy established by the HMoD is the minimisation of environmental effects of all the Armed Forces activities and the implementation of the sustainable development principles.

2.2 Environmental protection constitutes a factor which has to be taken into consideration throughout the planning and implementation stages of the works and activities of the Armed Forces. Nonetheless, in case there are any conflicting interests between the operational imperatives and environmental principles, the operational imperatives have the absolute priority. Even in this case however, the Armed Forces will have to make any possible effort for the minimisation of environmental effects.

2.3 The integration of the sustainable development principles into the Armed Forces must not hinder the accomplishment of their operational duties. On the contrary, if possible, these principles should synergistically support the operational duties by providing the following capabilities:

a. Timely preparation for the management of future challenges (climate change, energy resources availability).

b. More efficient and direct management of existing environmental, social and financial issues, which possibly restrict the Armed Forces operational readiness and capability.

2.4 The implementation and application of the Environmental Policy established by the HMoD constitutes a commitment of the political and military leadership for support of the following five (5) basic pillars:

17

a. Compliance with the EU / national legislation and NATO agreements.

Compliance with the environmental, community and national legislation and the corresponding agreements in the context of NATO constitutes a high priority for the HMoD.

Any exemptions from statutory requirements being granted to works and activities of the Armed Forces, will have to be used in a sensible manner and exclusively in cases where the operational requirements and capabilities will have to be objectively secured. No exceptions should be made for the works and activities of the Armed Forces by the legislation in force due to their financial cost. At the same time, in cases for which there is a relevant legislative gap, the Hellenic Ministry of National Defence will have to establish internal procedures, in order to conform with the general principles of environmental protection.

b. Rational management of natural resources and energy.

The available manpower, as well as the size, variety and interspersion of equipment and installations, call for the rational management of natural resources and energy, promoting on one hand the principle of sustainability and on the other curtailing the corresponding financial costs.

c. Prevention of pollution.

Care should always be taken, during the planning and execution of all activities, for the evaluation of possible pollution and all the indicative measures should be taken, so that pollution will be prevented.

d. Constant improvement of environmental performance.

Through methodical planning of programmes and actions, their timely implementation, constant control and appropriate corrective actions, if required, the HMoD aims to constantly improve environmental performance, on all the levels of command.

18

e. Overall staff participation.

The total of the Armed Forces staff, permanent (military and civilian) and recruits will have to be fully informed on the Environmental Policy of the HMoD, as well as on the ongoing environmental programmes. Depending on its rank and post, each staff member will have to:

(1) actively participate in the environmental programmes concerned,

(2) contribute to the raise of environmental aspects within his/her working environment, as well as their successful management.

At the same time, the Environmental Policy will have to be communicated to all the bodies cooperating with the HMoD, national and international, which will have to be harmonised with its general principles.

2.5 The current Environmental Policy:

a. defines the framework for the establishment of Strategic Planning and Targeting in the field of environmental protection for the Hellenic Ministry of National Defence,

b. defines the framework of organisational structure for the management of environmental protection issues in the Armed Forces,

c. sets the framework of environmental protection and energy management requirements, in the fields of everyday function, of operational function and materiel lifecycle in the Armed Forces,

d. constitutes the basis for the editing of institutional documents on issues of environmental protection / energy management, as well as for the planning and implementation of environmental programmes in the fields of everyday function, operational function and materiel life cycle in the Armed Forces.

19

20

CHAPTER 3

Fields of Environmental Interest

3.1 Climate Change

Climate change is estimated to have an impact on the everyday function of military installations and the operational modus operandi of the Armed Forces, due to the change in the natural characteristics of theatres of operations and the restriction of available energy / water resources.

The HMoD will have to adjust its function, in order to manage successfully and timely the above consequences of climate change, contributing at the same time to the achievement of the corresponding national objectives. Within this framework, HMoD will have to:

a. adopt the use of substances which do not cause global warming,

b. reduce gas emissions which cause greenhouse effect, narrowing the dependence on fossil fuels and at the same time reinforcing the use of renewable energy sources.

3.2 Energy

The Armed Forces will have to aim at the decrease of energy footprint throughout their activities (namely energy saving combined with the use of renewable energy sources), through personnel awareness, organisational changes and adoption of new technologies and procedures, in order to secure the optimum energy efficiency, sufficiency and autonomy, with obvious operational and financial benefits.

3.3 Soil

Soil constitutes a valuable natural resource and for this reason its protection is of high priority.

21

The possible points of soil’s pollution are recorded and evaluated, so that the required remediationy works will be conducted.

3.4 Air

The Armed Forces will have to keep gas emissions, which include the products of motor combustion of vehicles, aircraft, ships and heating systems, as well as volatile substances, at the lowest possible level.

At the same time, the HMoD implements the time-schedules for the withdrawal of the ozone-depleting substances.

3.5 Marine Environment

The presence of naval forces will have to be conducted in such manner, that the minimum possible harm to the marine environment is induced. Similarly, any other Armed Forces activity, which might affect the marine environment, will have to be conducted in a way that all the indicative technical and organisational measures are taken for the prevention and handling of every possible polluting incident.

3.6 Inland Waters

Water resources management, surface and subterranean, will have to ensure their sustainability in terms of quality and quantity. Within this framework, the Armed Forces will have to:

a. use the available water resources rationally, utilising organisational and technical means, having as a priority target the reduction of consumption and the possibility of reuse,

b. avoid any action or omission, which may lead to their qualitative or quantitative degradation.

3.7 Nature and Biodiversity

The conservation of habitats, flora and fauna constitutes a general obligation. Besides the apparent importance

22

of biodiversity, the natural background constitutes an important parameter for the Armed Forces, in terms of the execution of exercises under training conditions which are as similar as possible to the actual conditions. It should be noted that military training areas are recognised at an international level as islets of biodiversity. Within this framework, the Armed Forces will have to:

a. care for the protection of natural environment, adjusting everyday activities, planning and executing exercises so as not to affect protected areas and in general to restrict possible pressures on the natural environment,

b. assist in the prevention and management of natural disasters (fires, floods etc) with personnel and means as well providing for the reclamation of natural environment (afforestation, coasts cleanup etc).

3.8 Acoustic Noise – Vibrations

The Armed Forces will have to care for the reduction of acoustic noise and vibrations, generated by their activities, in an economical and technically feasible way, preserving the required operational capability. Within this framework, they will have to:

a. plan and execute all works and activities, taking into consideration the land uses of the affected areas,

b. apply good organisational practices (avoiding to fly over inhabited areas / touristic areas / protected areas and monuments, setting of minimum limits at unavoidable overflights, constraining noisy activities only during normal working hours, avoiding the use of electric generators in ships located in ports of arrival, etc),

c. determine the acoustic noise and the vibrations generated by the works and activities of the Armed Forces,

d. utilise modern technical means for the reduction of generation and propagation of noise and vibrations.

23

3.9 Hazardous Substances and Materials

The transport, storage and use of hazardous substances and materials is performed by properly trained personnel, according to the legislation in force and established good practices.

The use of hazardous substances and materials must be limited only to the absolutely necessary cases, for which the existing alternative substances do not efficiently fulfill the objective of their operational use. In addition they must conform to the corresponding special provisions - restrictions of EU and national legislation.

3.10 Waste

The Armed Forces follow the modern hierarchy in waste management: Prevention – Reuse – Recycle – other Recovery – Disposal.

The main objective is the reduction of quantity and risk (hazard severity times hazard probability) of the produced waste. Waste must be reused or be prepared for materials and / or energy recovery. If that is not technically or financially feasible, then the next option is disposal in an environmentally acceptable manner.

Waste segregation must be applied as early as possible, namely at the source of waste production.

It should be noted that particular attention is paid to dangerous waste management, which constitute an imminent threat for the environment and personnel, due to their inherent characteristics. For the said waste streams, we will have to secure either their processing within the Units, according to the available optimum techniques, or their secure temporary storage and their subsequent handling by authorised companies, securing complete traceability from production to final destination.

The improvement of existing waste management facilities as well as the development of new, proper for each case,

24

environmental infrastructures in compliance with the hierarchy of waste management, constitutes a constant objective of the HMoD.

3.11 Cultural Heritage

The HMoD aims at the preservation and promotion of the historical and cultural environment. Within this framework, the Armed Forces will have to:

a. secure the integrity of locations of historic and cultural heritage from military activities,

b. evaluate the possible impact on monuments, during planning and execution stage of works and activities serving the mission of National Defence,

c. promote, after proper recovery and maintenance, the means, buildings and areas of historic and cultural interest under the ownership of the Armed Forces (historic ships – aircraft and other military assets, forts, museums, lighthouses, etc). To this direction we strive for cooperation with state and scientific bodies, as well as with local authorities.

3.12 Interaction of Environmental Issues

Environmental sectors are interconnected through complex mechanisms. The consequences (positive or negative) in one of them, can affect other environmental sectors as well (domino effect).

The Armed Forces must determine at an early stage and take into consideration during planning and execution of their works and activities, the possible interactions of the environmental aspects, for the handling of adverse effects and the enhancement of positive results.

25

26

CHAPTER 4

Principles

4.1 Armed Forces Exemplary Behaviour

The Armed Forces, as an institution of the highest acceptance and recognition by the public, having installations throughout the Hellenic territory, representing the country in international organisations and participating in international initiatives and operations, must demonstrate an exemplary behaviour in matters of environmental protection as well.

4.2 Prevention – Due Diligence

The said principles pertain to the demonstration of care at a commonly accepted, sufficient level on issues of environmental protection and energy management, throughout the stages of the lifecycle of the works and activities serving the mission of national defence. It requires:

a. substantial commitment of all the levels of command and of the personnel as a whole,

b. timely and complete recognition of the environmental aspects included in military activities,

c. efficient knowledge of the relevant legislation and of the optimum available practices,

d. rational use of raw materials and other materials,

e. immediate and effective response for the management of emergencies and accidents.

4.3 Precaution

According to the precautionary principle, until the magnitude and effects of an environmental accident have been fully determined, it will have to be considered actively important and be managed with the highest level of protection for the environment.

27

4.4 Proportionality

Securing the optimum conditions for successful outcome of operations, is not compromised and is of paramount priority. Nevertheless, the operational response will have to be proportionate in magnitude, intensity and duration to the threat, so that the effects on the environment will be the minimum possible.

4.5 Proximity – Fighting at the source

Waste management and handling of environmental issues that arise in general, will have to be conducted as a matter of priority in the area of interest, so that:

a. danger of causing accidents during transport is prevented,

b. energy footprint, as well as the relevant transportation cost, are minimised.

4.6 “The polluter pays”

The waste producer and the party liable for causing pollution or degrading the environment is responsible for bearing the cost of lawful waste management and environmental recovery, respectively.

4.7 Transparency

Environmental information will have to be spread towards all interested parties. However, security classification may be applied in cases where it is required by operational needs.

4.8 Interservice function – Interoperability

The establishment of cooperation between the services of the Armed Forces as well as other bodies will have to be sought to a maximum extent, as it functions beneficially for finding solutions and handling of environmental aspects, providing the desired consent between the interested parties and restricting the relevant financial cost and energy footprint.

28

CHAPTER 5

Means

5.1 Strategic Planning and Target Setting

With the elaboration of a proper complete Strategic Planning in the field of environment and also with the subsequent establishment of corresponding Specific, Measurable, Assignable, Realistic, Time-bound – SMART - targets concerning the activities with important environmental aspects, the Armed Forces intend to constantly improve environmental performance, through coordinated actions, which often function in synergy.

The performance in the implementation of Environmental Policy will have to be measured through proper indicators, which concern corresponding Actions, at a regular base.

5.2 Development of Internal Regulatory Framework

In the wider context of standardisation of the Armed Forces activities, there is a need for the development of an integrated internal regulatory framework of environmental protection, through institutional documents (Regulations, Standing Orders, Drafts etc), manuals and orders, structured in a manner which covers:

a. The complete recognition of the environmental aspects of the activities of the Armed Forces, the subsequent rational evaluation and finally their successful management.

b. The immediate response and effective management of emergencies.

5.3 Training - Education – Personnel Awareness

The implementation of the environmental policy of the HMoD requires the full commitment and active participation of the personnel, from the rank and post each person holds.

29

Environmental protection awareness schemes for all personnel, as well as targeted education / training at various levels, depending on the specialty and exercised duties, are deemed absolutely necessary.

Within this framework, the HMoD has set a high priority to and has a primary concern for, the aim of constant evaluation and enhancement of environmental awareness (knowledge, attitude, behaviour) of the overall Armed Forces personnel, with the proper tools.

5.4 Supervision - Monitoring

Through regular and unscheduled environmental on-site inspections conducted by specialised Armed Forces officers throughout the installations, as well as through a system of periodical reports, the required supervision in the implementation of the Environmental Policy and the fulfillment of individual aims is exercised.

5.5 Lifecycle Analysis of Material, Materiel Activities and Works

Lifecycle analysis provides information for the estimated effects arising throughout the lifecycle stages of materials, materiel and activities, namely during the planning, function / use, as well as the stage after the end of utility (cease or withdrawal).

Lifecycle analysis will have to be conducted during the planning of activities, works and supplies in the Armed Forces, aiming to successfully estimate and then effectively manage environmental aspects, at each of the aforementioned stages, within the context of prevention and due diligence.

5.6 Sustainable Supply of Materials, Materiel and Services (“Green Supplies”)

During the early stages of materials / materiel supply programmes, provision of services and works execution by third parties and particularly during the drafting of technical

30

specifications, which are derived from the projected operational requirements, the environmental parameter for all the stages of the materials / materiel, services and works lifecycle will have to be examined and taken into consideration.

In this context, we will have to examine, among others, the use of respective optimum available techniques, the substitution of hazardous substances with substances friendly to the environment and to man, as well as the minimization of energy footprint, gas emissions and produced waste of the provided equipment and executed works.

5.7 Funding

The allocation of proportionate funding credits is required, as the case may be, for the support of environmental actions so as to achieve the established environmental targets. The fulfillment of the said requirements will have to be timely, through proper planning, as well as efficient, through the valorisation of national, community and allied funding tools.

Special care should be taken throughout the Armed Forces chain of command, from the Units’ commands to the General Staffs, so as to make the proper prioritisation and planning for the required studies, supplies and works of environmental or energy infrastructures, taking into consideration the credits each time available.

Furthermore, the competent bodies of the General Directorates of the HMoD and the General Staffs will have to make every possible effort for the optimum promotion of the required development works of sustainable development in the Armed Forces or similar research programmes, national or co-funded by NATO or EU, aiming at the maximum possible utilisation of credits, the quickest possible implementation and the minimum possible cost. A basic prerequisite is the optimal management of existing resources (manpower, equipment, credits etc) of the Armed Forces.

31

The intended cooperation with other competent bodies, at a national level (Ministries, Local Administration etc) as well as international level (EU, EDA, NATO etc) will contribute to the aforementioned effort made by the HMoD.

5.8 Establishment of Cooperation

At an international level, the cooperation with military and political formations, which develop environmental and energy initiatives is pursued.

At a national level, the HMoD will have to establish cooperation with public and private bodies, the academic community and the industry, aiming to:

a. acquire expertise and experience,

b. promote actions in the fields of environmental protection and energy management,

c. highlight the historic and cultural heritage.

5.9 Social Contribution

The Armed Forces cooperate with bodies at an international, national and local level, contributing when and as long as it is required, to the handling of social needs and emergencies (handling of environmental incidents or accidents, natural disasters etc), in the areas of the Armed Forces responsibility or ownership as well as beyond them, in the context of social responsibility of the HMoD. Thus, they contribute to the strengthening of existing bonds of mutual trust and cooperation, by implementing and supporting actions of social nature.

To ensure the timely prevention and preparation for taking the necessary corrective measures or making interventions for the handling of environmental incidents or accidents, or natural disasters, there are proper Emergency Plans which are revised by the General Staffs. These plans provide for actions of cooperation and interoperability with the other competent bodies with which the Armed Forces cooperate as the case may be.

32

5.10 Development of Environmental and Energy Management Systems

The development of Environmental and Energy Management Systems in Units of the Armed Forces constitutes an important mechanism for the successful recognition and management of their environmental aspects, for the limitation of environmental and energy footprint, as well as for saving resources in the medium term.

The said Systems provide a holistic approach to environmental protection and energy saving as they include the organisational structure, the planning activities, the responsibilities, practices, procedures, operations and the resources required for the evolution, implementation, accomplishment, inspection and preservation of the environmental policy at a Unit’s level.

33

34

CHAPTER 6

Structure and Competences

6.1 Environmental and Energy Protection Bodies

For the implementation of Environmental Policy, the effective representation of the Ministry on issues of environmental protection at a national, EU and NATO level, the coordination of actions between all the parties concerned and the timely and effective management of environmental issues that arise, a proper organisational structure throughout the levels of Command must be formed. In this context:

a. The Ministry has promoted the formation of an integrated body of Infrastructure, Environment and Energy at GDFPS through a corresponding legislative arrangement.

b. There are Environmental Protection Departments in General Staffs and Major Formations.

c. The post of environmental protection staff officer in Formations and large Units (Brigade or higher) with important environmental aspects (for example: Factories, Hospitals, Shipbuilding and Repairing Yards, Airfields etc) is established.

6.2 Integration of Environmental Protection in Personnel Duties

Depending on the assigned post, the Armed Forces personnel, through the integrated internal regulatory framework for environmental protection, will have to assume particular duties and competences on issues of environmental protection and energy saving. The said duties will have to be clear and objectively feasible and the Armed Forces will have to take special care for the provision of training required for the exercise of these duties.

35

36

CHAPTER 7

Review

7.1 The review of the present Environmental Policy will be implemented within a five year period, following the management model for continuous improvement “PLAN–DO-CHECK-ACT” with concurrent integration of international developments in research and technology, as well as similar initiatives and directives in the field of environment and energy, concerning defence.

37

38

Epilogue

With the integration of sustainable development principles in the Hellenic Armed Forces and the complete and overall implementation of the current Environmental Policy provided by the General Staffs and General Directorates of the Ministry, we will ensure in an optimal way, the adoption of sustainable options, the enhancement of environmental awareness of the Armed Forces staff and the minimisation of environmental / energy footprint of the Armed Forces activities. Thus we achieve the development of sustainable Armed Forces for “today” and for “tomorrow”, as well as Armed Forces which are integrated in the wider spirit of the developmental policy of the country, while at the same time the outmost operational readiness and efficiency as well as their mission execution is ensured.

39

THIS PUBLICATION (“ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY OF HMoD”) WAS SET TYPED AND PRINTED [AS GREEK PROTOTYPE] BY THE HELLENIC ARMY’S PRINTING OFFICE (HAPRO). IT WAS PUBLISHED BY THE HMoD DEPARTMENT OF INFRASTRUCTURE IN ONE THOUSAND SIX HUNDRED COPIES, IN MAY OF TWO THOUSAND FOURTEEN.