SDRC are currently implementing an Environmental Management System (EMS). The basic definition of an Environmental management system is that it is a way of working that ensures an organisation takes into account, and tries to minimise, its effect on the environment. It also ensures that an organisation meets relevant environmental legislation.
Through implementing an environmental management system, the benefits to a company are numerous: The main list of advantages are:
The first six are linked directly to the EMS as it leads to:
- Improved environmental performance
- Cost savings and efficiencies
- Reduced environmental risks
- Reduced pollution
- Waste minimisation
- Increased recycling
The other benefits an EMS provides are:
- Improved employee motivation and morale
- Improved public image by being ‘Green’
- Increasing satisfaction of customers
- Competitive advantage
There are six phases involved in the implementation of the Environmental Management System:
• Phase One Commitment and Establishing the Baseline.
• Phase Two Identifying and Ensuring Compliance with Legal and Other Requirements
• Phase Three Developing Objectives, Targets and Programmes
• Phase Four Implementation and Operation of the Environmental Management System
• Phase Five Checking, Audit and Review
• Phase Six Environmental Management System Acknowledgement
Phase One involves gaining management support and raising awareness within the organisation. We have established an EMS working group which consists of Stephen Tinsley, Heather George and Sarah-Anne Munoz to implement the EMS. We have also produced an Environmental Policy Statement which has been approved by staff and the Board and is available on the website.
Phase One also requires the organisation to identify the environmental aspects of its activities. These are the elements of an organisation’s activities, products or services that can have a beneficial or adverse impact on the environment. These impacts are then assessed for their significance, and those considered to have a significant adverse impact on the environment can then be reduced by setting targets and goals.
Phase one of SDRC's EMS is currently 93% complete
Phase Two mainly consists of developing and reviewing the legal checklist. This includes waste management, energy use, biodiversity and use of hazardous materials.
Phase Two of SDRC’s EMS is currently 65% complete.
Phase Three involves building on the work in Phases One and Two through developing objectives and setting targets. From the aspects and impacts assessment undertaken in Phase One, the following were considered to be most significant for SDRC:
Paper and cardboard disposal
Disposal of laser ink cartridges and old computer equipment – this is due to the WEEE regulations being introduced
Travel
Procurement Practices
Energy efficiency
SDRC are currently developing working instructions which will enable us to meet our objectives and targets.
Phase Three is currently 58% complete
Next steps for SDRC EMS
Complete Phases One and Two
Continue working on Phase Three:
Finalise the working instructions and develop procedures to review the working instructions.
Identify indicators to enable us to measure our progress towards achieving our targets.
Complete draft version of the manual.
Reviewing the system and ensure it is working.
Prepare for audit in Phase Five.
