Commitment to water

I am writing to ask whether Ordnance Survey has made a commitment to:

1. Phase out bottled water in all meetings? 2. Replace all bottled water coolers for staff and visitors with mains-fed coolers? 3. Provide better access to chilled tap water in public places? 4. Further to this, have you stopped purchasing bottled water and if not, how much did you spend in the last financial year for which data is available?

Thank you for your e-mail dated 11^th March 2010.  We are pleased to provide you with the following information with regard to your request:

1. Yes, the availability to order bottled water from the Corporate Hospitality menu, for use in meetings has been withdrawn for some time.

2. Due to the relocation of Ordnance Surveys head quarters in autumn 2010, to a new purpose built environment, financial implications have prevented us from installing mains-fed drinking fountains at our current site. However, our new building will have mains-fed chilled drinking fountains.

3. Our public areas are currently served by water coolers. As per the above response, our new purpose built head office will offer mains-fed chilled drinking fountains in public areas.

4. At this time we have not stopped purchasing bottled water for use in coolers. We estimate the cost of water coolers, supply, distribution, sanitation and cups for the last year is approximately £39,000.

Please note that your enquiry has been processed to Freedom of Information guidelines.  As all requested information has been provided, we have determined that in all the circumstances of this case the Public interest consideration (section 17 FOIA) is not applicable in this instance.

If you are unhappy with our response, you may raise an appeal to our Appeals Officer at:

Complaints Team

Customer Service Centre

Ordnance Survey

Romsey Road

SOUTHAMPTON

SO16 4GU  

Please include the reference number below. The Appeals Officer will ensure that the process has been followed correctly, questioning any decisions taken regarding the original response and recommending disclosure of additional information if appropriate.

Thank you for your enquiry.

Reference number: FOI1050/march 2010