Environmental Management, why it matters to you and your business

In a recent report by the IPCC, it has been found that climate change is widespread, rapid, and intensifying, and some trends are now irreversible, at least during the present time frame.

However, according to IPCC experts, there is still time to limit climate change. Strong and sustained reductions in CO2 emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases, could quickly make air quality better, and even eventually stabilise temperatures.

With that being said, there are multiple pieces of legislation that require organisations to implement environmentally friendly work practices in an effort to slow down climate change. The Environmental Protection Act 1990 (as amended in 2008) and the Environment Act 1995 say that anyone who produces, handles or disposes of waste must make sure it’s done properly and safely. Businesses that don’t comply can face a number of legal consequences.

Fortunately, businesses that practise good environmental management often find themselves subject to a number of benefits. Here are just a few examples of ways that good environmental management can benefit your organisation…

Cut costs

Being less reliant on natural resources, which are only increasing in price each year, can leave your organisation in a better financial position than your competitors and give you a much greater chance of long-term success.

There are also a number of other environmentally-friendly measures organisations can implement that can help to use less energy, translating to cut costs. For example, motion-activated lights (or just switching lights off when a room isn’t in use).

Better recruitment

Research by business services provider DWF found that two in five businesses are failing to find staff due to their environmental, social and governance (ESG) policies being perceived as “weak”, and also found that 61% of businesses are losing out on work as a result of poor ESG credentials.

With a few simple actions, organisations can improve their ESG credentials and, therefore, be a more favourable choice of employer for job seekers.

Enhanced reputation

Many consumers and businesses actively look for suppliers that have a positive environmental impact, and it can be a great way to separate your business from its competition.

The 2015 Cone Communications/Ebiquity Global CSR Study found that 84% of consumers across the world say they seek out responsible products when possible, and a further 81% of these consumers say that the availability of these products is the largest barrier preventing them from purchasing more.

How SMAS Worksafe can support your business with Environmental Management

With the UK committed to reducing their emissions of greenhouse gases to net-zero by 2050, it’s time that you begin to consider your environmental impact to help your business become more efficient. One of the most effective ways of doing this is by employing an Environmental Management System.

An Environmental Management System helps you manage your resources more efficiently. The ISO 14001 standard is a generic Environmental Management System, which means any organisation, of any size and in any sector can use it.

Employing an Environmental Management System will not only reduce energy usage and waste but also reduces environmental liability and risk, meaning your business is compliant with legislative and regulatory requirements and reduces its impact upon the environment.

With SMAS Worksafe PQQ, your organisation can stand out from the crowd by demonstrating a commitment to areas like Environmental Management.

With Worksafe PQQ, your Environmental Management documents will be reviewed by a trained expert with recommendations made to ensure that your business meets high standards of practice.

If you’d like support from our team of experts regarding environmental management, you can get in touch by calling 01752 643962.