BUSINESS STANDARDS
is the quarterly magazine of BSI Group, highlighting the vital role that standards play in today's business environment. Regular features include interviews with leading business figures, as well as news on the latest developments in management systems and standards.
Integra ICT Hits environmental high
30 Nov 2009
Topics: Environment, ISO 14001, WEEE
Integra ICT, the Bedfordshire-based telecoms provider, has achieved certification to ISO 14001 Environmental management from BSI.
The process began when the organization established its environmental management system (EMS). An audit divided potential environmental impacts into four distinct elements - waste (including recycling), energy use, discharge and use of buildings (including utilities) - with each element awarded a value to facilitate their measurement.
All applicable laws were identified including the WEEE directive, and appropriate targets were set including: to reduce business waste to landfill to zero within four years; reduce total mileage by 10 per cent within four years and review CO2 levels on all new cars with the aim to source those with the lowest emissions; and cut energy use by five per cent within four years.
The change within the organization was rolled out in an ordered and well thought out manner, beginning with presentations to the entire team detailing the project.
Some initial practical actions had immediate impact. For example, the introduction of assorted recycling waste bins in-house and contracts taken with national waste recyclers reduced waste sent to landfill dramatically. In addition, low wattage heating was introduced in the warehouse and a proportion of fluorescent tubes removed from the offices. All equipment is turned off at night and new equipment must feature an auto save facility. Remote diagnostic tools are used to access the clients' system and fix most problems off site. As a result, the mileage reduction objective is on the way to being met.
"In-house screens record our objectives and in future we will display the difference we are making," says Mark Brooks, operations director. "Our annual BSI audit requires us to measure and prove our savings. We are already seeing substantial reductions and as a team we are proud to be doing our bit."
For more information, please visitwww.bsigroup.com/nov09iso14001
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Question: Can standards really help minimize the need for regulation?
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