is the online magazine of BSI Group, highlighting the vital role that standards play in today's business environment by helping organizations improve quality, save money, reduce risk and be more sustainable. Features include interviews with leading business figures, as well as news on the latest developments in management systems, standards, testing, healthcare and certification.
Sustainability: more than "green"
30 Nov 2009
Topics: Environment, ISO 14001, Climate change, Carbon footprint, Carbon market, Carbon neutral, Emissions trading, GHG, PAS 2050, CSR, Ethical trading, Health & safety, OHSAS 18001, PAS 2020, SA8000, Social responsibility, Sustainability, Social accountability, CFV
Sustainable development means taking into account the social, economic and environmental impacts of business activities, not only for the present but also for future generations.
Many in industry believe that a triple bottom line best describes sustainability. The triple bottom line goes by a few different names, 3Ps (people, planet, profit), 3Es (equality, environment, economy) or economic, social and environmental.
To tackle all three areas, sustainable thinking and practices have to be built into the way a business is managed and reflected in the way decisions are made. Long-term sustainable development objectives should be backed up with short-term targets and action plans. Leaders need to think beyond the five-year plan and start looking at the impact their business will have 50 years down the line, and then translate that into policies and practices that filter all the way through their organizations. Management system standards will help organizations adapt and evolve the way the business operates. They provide a robust framework for good practice to ensure an organization has an enduring and balanced approach to economic activity, environmental responsibility and social progress.
For further information on building a greener business, visit www.bsigroup.co.uk/sustainable
Business Standards © 2010. Editorial produced by Caspian Publishing in association with The British Standards Institution. Editorial opinions expressed on are not necessarily those of BSI Group or Caspian Publishing. Neither Caspian Publishing nor BSI Group accept responsibility for advertising or editorial content, nor for that appearing on linked third-party websites. Reproduction in whole or in part is forbidden without written permission from BSI Group or Caspian Publishing.
Gerda, a leading developer and manufacturer of products for the security industry, has become the first company to be awarded the Kitemark for thief-resistant lock assemblies, in line with BS 10621:2007 Thief resistant dual-mode lock assembly.
A clear case for carbon neutrality
"Carbon neutral" sounds good on paper, but what does it really mean? Organizations are making claims about carbon neutrality for everything from products to travel, events, projects and buildings. The problem is that no one quite agrees what "carbon neutral" means or how far it extends.
Airbus in the UK has achieved certification to BS 25999, the Business Continuity Management (BCM) standard, following an audit from BSI. The certification covers Airbus? wing manufacturing site in Broughton, North Wales and becomes the first aerospace manufacturing company to receive certification to this standard by BSI.
BSI is planning an informal free lunchtime roundtable in central London on 10 December 2009 to explore how small businesses and their trade bodies can work more effectively with standards. Places are limited so to register your interest or request more information, please email bsi.survey@bsigroup.com or call +44 (0)20 8996 7750.
UK film industry pioneers sustainability standard developed by BSI
The British film industry, in conjunction with BSI, is taking the lead in the global entertainment market with the announcement at the Cannes Film Festival of a new British Standard that will improve the industry's environmental, social and economic impact. For example, in London alone, screen production accounted for 125,000 tonnes of carbon emissions in 2009, 40% of which came from studios and 28% from TV and film production.
Question: Can standards really help minimize the need for regulation?
Regulation and legislation keep business on a level playing field and help mitigate against risk, as was acknowledged by The Hampton Review in 2005.
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