BSI rewards organisations for going green

With registrations to ISO 14001 now exceeding 110,000 worldwide and take up of the standard increasing each year, the BSI 10th Anniversary of ISO 14001 Awards were organised to showcase the benefits of implementing ISO 14001. The event was supported by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and included a keynote address by Ian Pearson MP, the Minister for State, Climate Change and Environment. There were also presentations from Chester Zoo, Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service and Smiths Group plc as examples of organisations who have successfully used ISO 14001 to bring environmental responsibility into the workplace thereby reducing environmental impacts and improving overall business performance.

The award for best large organisation was presented to Invista Textiles (UK) Limited for its integration of ISO 14001 into its mainstream business management. The judges commended its strong supply chain engagement and quantified emissions reductions.

The award for Best Small and Medium-sized Enterprise was won by Intercolor which was described by the judges as a very good example of sustainable consumption and production. Their choice of equipment at a new site was influenced by four years’ experience of ISO 14001 and production increased by 50% in six years since certification to the standard whereas waste produced and fuel, electricity, paper and solvent used per kilogramme of product was reduced.

For the scale and comprehensiveness of their EMS implementation in challenging and sensitive areas Aggregate Industries UK Limited received the award for Most Innovative Organization. They have integrated environmental issues into their suite of products through recycling and recovery of materials and eco-design. The judges were impressed with the way the company has gone beyond minimum requirements on issues such as biodiversity and has engaged with a wide group of stakeholders.

Mike Low, Director of British Standards said, ”It is very encouraging to see organisations of all sectors and sizes taking environmental responsibility seriously and gaining business advantage in the process. A company's environmental performance can have a significant impact on its success for customers and shareholders alike. It is hoped that by showing how much those companies who have taken advantage of ISO 14001 over the last 10 years have benefited others will be spurred on to do the same. The success of ISO 14001 and the organisations that use it is of particular pride here in the UK as we originated the standard on which it is based.”