MoD sustainability report verified by Grontmij/Two Tomorrows

Environmental consultancies Grontmij and Two Tomorrows have completed an independent assurance statement for the UK Ministry of Defence's (MoD) 2009 sustainable development report. Requiring third party assurance of sustainability reporting by government departments is currently being considered by the Treasury as a means of promoting and monitoring the government's commitment to sustainability development.

The assurance team verified the MoD's report utilising the criteria provided by the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI). Grontmij project manager Linsey Cottrell commented: "Grontmij’s work on assurance across the MoD followed our solid reputation, including eight years of ongoing environmental work for the MoD and its agencies. The project was a fascinating insight into how a major government department is translating the concepts of sustainable development into day to day actions of its staff and managers.

“Our report identified evidence of strong engagement within the parts of the MoD that take responsibility for key impact areas, such as procurement and estate management, as well as good level of awareness and engagement among senior management and commanding officers.”

• MoD SD report assurance statement
• Defence Estates news release
• Grontmij news release