ISO 14001 has been developed in response to rising concern about the effect our activities and businesses are having on ourselves and the world in which we live. This has lead to an increasing number of studies of environmental impacts and the growth of environmental standards and regulations.

ISO 14001 is an international standard that provides a framework for organisations of any size to control and improve environmental performance via an Environmental Management System (EMS). More and more organisations are seeking to demonstrate sound environmental performance as the issue has gained ground in recent years and will continue to do so.  In many sectors certification to ISO 14001 has almost become a de facto requirement for trade, as organisations in the supply chain seek to mitigate environmental risk.

ISO 14001 involves:

• Developing an environmental policy
• Identifying environmental aspects and impacts
• Planning how to fulfil the environmental policy
• Implementing means to control and mitigate environmental risk
• Checking effectiveness of the EMS and making improvements
• Reviewing the EMS with top management

These elements will drive your organisation to continually develop your environmental performance and achieve greater recognition in the marketplace you operate in.

For further information please call our head office on 01494 569700 or email enquiries@bmtrada.com. Whatever business you are in, we will be happy to advise you on the most cost-effective route to ISO 14001 registration.

EMAS - Eco-Management and Audit Scheme

EMAS, the Eco-Management and Audit Scheme, is a voluntary EU initiative which requires an organisation to make a public statement that reports on their environmental performance.  The aim is to recognise and reward those organisations that go the extra step beyond compliance with ISO 14001:2004. An independent accredited third party environmental verifier checks the accuracy and content of that statement prior to publication.

EMAS is strongly backed by EU government and environmental regulators.  Organisations that join the scheme achieve a distinction above those with an Environmental Management System where reports of environmental performance are not independently verified.  Environmental management is moving towards the centre stage and more and more organisations are seeking to address the impact their business has on the environment.

The basic steps towards EMAS registration are:

• Verify your organisation meets the requirements of EMAS regulation
• Check and validate your environmental statement 
• Assess your management system to ensure it meets the requirements of ISO 14001:2004

Once your company has been assessed and verified you will be able to register with the EMAS National Competent Body in the UK - the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA).

The recognition that your organisation will receive by being registered to EMAS can provide the edge for your organisation.

For further information please call our head office on 01494 569700 or email enquiries@bmtrada.com. Whatever business you are in, we will be happy to advise you on the most cost-effective route to EMAS registration.

BS 8555 - Environmental Management

Being able to demonstrate improved environmental performance is important in todays business environment as organisations seek to demonstrate some commitment to environmental protection and stewardship. Supply chain evaluation techniques now form a part of corporate assessments on SMEs. Implementation of an environmental management system will provide that commitment.

The British Standard BS 8555 sets out a five stage approach to implementing a formal Environmental Management System (EMS). You can set the pace of your environmental programmes, as well as the means to measure and monitor your environmental performance. A sixth stage allows organisations to seek certification against the internationally recognised EMS standard ISO 14001:2004, or certification under the European EMAS Regulation.

The six phases of the standard are:

• Commitment and establishing the baseline.
• Identifying and ensuring compliance with legal and other requirements.
• Developing programmes to achieve objectives and targets
• Implementation and operation of the Environmental Management System.
• Checking, auditing and reviewing
• Environmental Management System certification

The process outlined in this standard allows for your organisation to have a flexible approach to implementing an EMS. A certificate is issued following successful external assessment of each stage so that the company can demonstrate progress to its key customers and other interested stakeholders.

For further information please call our head office on 01494 569700 or email enquiries@bmtrada.com. Whatever business you are in, we will be happy to advise you on the most cost-effective route to BS 8555 registration.