Environmental Management Help for Northern Ireland SMEs

Small and medium sized manufacturing companies (SMEs) will be given an opportunity by Invest Northern Ireland to take part in a free pilot programme designed to help them meet increasingly exacting rules on protecting the environment.

The new programme, ‘Building Blocks to a Better Business’, geared towards SMEs which form the backbone of the Northern Ireland economy, will be announced at the launch of the new BS 8555 British standard on 13 October 2003.

The guide will help SMEs to develop an environmental management system in stages geared to their business experience and resources. It will also enable a company measure performance on key environmental issues.

The launch will be hosted by Invest NI, in conjunction with IEMA, the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment.

Tracy Meharg, Invest NI’s Managing Director of Innovation and Capability Development Services, commenting on BS 8555, said: “An effective Environmental Management System (EMS) not only [ensures SMEs prevent, control and minimise their impact on the environment] but can also produce cost savings through the reduction in the use of scarce resources, decreased potential legal liabilities and better current and potential customer relationships.

“[This standard] guides them on the staged recognition for environmental management and allows companies to develop and gain recognition for improved environmental performance at a level that suits their business needs. ‘Building Blocks for Better Business’, our new pilot programme, offers support, free of charge, in achieving BS 8555.” she added.

The benefits of BS 8555 include compatibility with ISO 14001 and EMAS (Eco-management and Audit Scheme); its suitability for all industry sectors; reduced pressures on a company’s resources; increased business efficiency; cost savings; and a proven market-tested approach.
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