Sustainability - it's the benefits of good environmental management
that count!
Across Europe, effective environmental management is becoming ever
more critical to business success. Taking environmental responsibilities
seriously can contribute to a positive reputation, improved business
efficiencies and better financial performance, especially through
more effective use of materials and energy. It is apparent that
the combination of business benefits coupled to ever-more stringent
legislation is driving businesses both large and small to take their
environmental responsibilities very seriously - and this is contributing
to a more sustainable approach in the commercial world.
For large organisations it is, perhaps, easier to adopt environmental
standards, like those enshrined in the ISO 14000 series, but most
SME's (Small to Medium sized Enterprises) have a more difficult
task to get good environmental management systems advice and expertise
at a price that is competitive and affordable.
What does ISO 14000 entail?
Each business is different, so the principles enshrined in the
ISO 14000 series are left as broad as possible to apply to a wide
range of operations. ISO 14001 was first published in 1996 and specifies
the requirements and principles for an effective environmental management
system. It covers those environmental aspects which an organisation
has control over and which it can be expected to have an influence,
typically:
- Implementation, maintenance and continuous improvement of an
appropriate environmental management system
- Self assessment and assurance of conformance with a stated environmental
policy and policy commitments
- Clear demonstration of compliance with environmental laws and
regulations · Certification of the environmental management system
by an external third party
Outline steps towards a sensible environmental management system
would cover:
- An objective understanding of environmental aspects and their
impacts
- Development of an environmental policy that makes clear the
environmental principles promoted by the company
- Specific objectives and targets defining environmental goals
and the approaches adopted towards achieving them
- A detailed environmental management system to map out how those
objectives and targets are to be realised
- Internal audit of the environmental management system to ensure
effectiveness and compliance
- Management Review of the system to ensure that it continues
to be suitable and effective for the organisation and its aims
Smaller businesses need support to meet environmental standards
"Getting to grips with ISO can be a common difficulty faced by
SME's across the European Union but there is increasing pressure
as national legislation is tightened, as well as the growing influence
of the European Environment Agency that is working with member states
to continuously improve environmental performance," says IMSM manager
Roderick Hogarth who has particular responsibility for business
in France.
"For example, minimum recycling targets for packaging waste will
be raised from 25% to 55% following amendments to a European Parliamentary
Council directive and the recovery target for packaging waste is
also being raised by 10% to stand at 60%. It is just this kind of
tightening of targets that is becoming commonplace but with the
accession of 10 new members countries on 1 May there will be an
even greater call on environmental management advice and support,"
Hogarth continues, "ISO provides structured environmental management
that can be introduced simply and effectively and it is just this
combination of environmental expertise, ISO knowledge and specific
country experience that can really deliver total environmental control
and compliance for smaller companies - all at a sensible fixed price.
The introduction of a structured approach to environmental management
systems also contributes to a better business and IMSM clients have
been able to meet stringent environmental standards as well as improve
their bottom line."
You don't have to be big to realise the benefits
Back in the UK an excellent example of this approach is Scottish
based Aberdeen Fluid System Technologies - a leading supplier of
fluid system components. Managing Director Gerry Farrell says "ISO
14001 brings us a distinct competitive advantage. You don't have
to be a large corporation to gain the benefits that are available
from having world-class management systems. We are a small business
with a vision of continued and sustainable growth. We want to be
viewed by our customers and our own suppliers as different and as
a company that can help deliver service excellence and deliver value."
The company have gone through the development of a well-conceived
environmental management system based on three key elements:
- They have identified and then assessed the significance of the
impact that their activities can have on the environment
- Clear objectives and targets have then been agreed to reduce
these environmental impacts and a programme for achieving the
objectives and targets that have been set has been developed,
monitored and amended as required
- The company's environmental policy has been based on a commitment
to continuous improvement, prevention of pollution and compliance
with relevant environmental legislation, regulations and other
appropriate requirements.
Demand for ISO continues to grow
The ISO certification route has helped establish an integrated
approach to managing environmental performance and meet environmental
regulations. ISO Certification also strengthens recognition and
commitment to the quality of procedures and products and there are
now many examples of companies, both large and small, reducing the
costs of their own waste disposal liabilities. Add to this the benefits
of realising a whole host of energy and other incidental savings
that come as a direct result of a sensible environmental management
system and ISO certification provides a very persuasive package.
Demand for ISO 14000 is continuing to grow and it is just this
kind of approach that can provide a sensible starting point for
the adoption of quality management standards and a desire for improved
environmental performance, "Big organisations can afford the big
environmental initiatives. For smaller businesses, that also intend
to develop and prosper, the starting point has to be sensible, simple
systems that are affordable and sustainable. That's why I am seeing
strong demand for our ISO expertise with smaller businesses," concludes
IMSM's Hogarth.
24/02/04
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