DNV Quality Assurance Limited note that 'Modern businesses continuously operate in very competitive markets in which the population is increasingly aware of wider social issues, such as the environment and its protection. There is an ever increasing requirement placed upon industry (and services) to be able to demonstrate environmental responsibility to stakeholders (customers, legislators, employees, shareholders, investors and pressure groups). This pressure has been the cause of an upsurge in environmentally related legislation world-wide. The consequences of environmental accidents are becoming ever more costly. These costs can be both real and hidden, not only in terms of the fines incurred, or even the clean-up costs, but in the adverse publicity which often follows.
Effective environmental management can reduce your organisation's impact on the environment, improve operational efficiency, identify opportunities for cost saving and reduce environmental liability'.
What are the benefits of an Environmental Management System?
'The benefits of an Environmental Management System can include:
Legislation
Environmental Legislation is increasing world-wide. This will become more stringent
and already covers emissions to air, liquid effluent, solid waste, dust emissions,
noise, storage and other similar areas. A proactive approach reduces the risk
of fines or imprisonment and can provide a competitive advantage.
Cost
savings
Good environmental management can pinpoint opportunities for cost
savings. Energy efficiency and waste minimisation are just two aspects of environmental
management, which can quickly improve profitability.
Customer
requirements
Businesses are becoming increasingly concerned about environmental
management - they will not want to risk reputations or inherit liabilities as
a result of poor environmental performance by their suppliers. Can any business
afford to lose customers by ignoring environmental management?
Investment
& Insurance
Investment will become increasingly difficult to secure,
as investors become more concerned about risk due to poor environmental performance.
Insurance companies are fully aware of the risks involved with poor environmental
performance. As a direct result of this, insurance premiums are increasing and
in some cases an environmental audit is required before cover will be provided.
Market
Opportunities
Good environmental performance can be a key factor in market
profiling of an organisation and gives a competitive edge - especially with younger
generations that are even more aware of environmental issues.
Corporate
Image
A good environmental record can improve corporate image and create
better relations with shareholders, employees, pressure groups and the media.
Bad publicity about environmental performance can be very damaging'.
DNV Quality
Assurance Limited
How do I write an environmental policy?
Business in the Community have set out principles for writing an environmental policy, these are as follows:
'Our business will…..
How can a
company best publicise its environmental impacts or activities to its stakeholders?
An environmentally friendly company can adopt a variety of different mediums to let stakeholders from customers to general interested parties know about how it responsibly manages its environmental impacts. A few examples include:
Waste
Minimisation - An Environmental Good Practice Guide.
Environment Agency orderline
- 08708 506506
Money
for Nothing and Waste Tips for Free Video.
Environment Agency orderline -
08708 506506
Energy Efficiency Best Practice Programme publish a wide range of sector specific guides and case studies, plus free consultancy assistance. Environment and energy helpline - 0800 585794.
Useful
web sites:
· Energy Efficiency Advice Centres
www.savenergy.org
· Environment Agency
www.environment-agency.gov.uk
· Energy Efficiency Best Practice Programme
www.energy-efficiency.gov.uk
· Waste Watch
www.wastewatch.org.uk
