Club Green Environment Manual
Section 1: Background Information
1. Background Information
Environmental Management is a broad subject that seeks to examine and address the impact
of modern human society on the environment. It incorporates a multitude of factors including
the living (biological) and non-living (physical) aspects of the natural environment and their
interconnected relationship with elements of the human environment such as economic,
social, political and cultural issues.
1.1 Environmental Issues
According to their area of impact, environmental issues can be classified as follows:
- Global environmental issues
- Local environmental issues
1.1.1 Global Environmental Issues
Global environmental issues are numerous and include climate change, ozone layer depletion,
deforestation, resource depletion, biodiversity loss and acid rain.
Climate Change
Broadly, Climate change is the long term change in average weather conditions, including
temperature and weather1. According to the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on
Climate Change (IPCC), the global climate is undergoing significant changes as a result of
greenhouse gas emissions from human activity.
Greenhouse gases in the atmosphere including carbon dioxide, methane, water vapour and
nitrous oxides form an insulating atmospheric layer which traps heat from the sun that would
otherwise escape, hence the term ‘greenhouse effect’. Significantly, this process enabled life
by maintaining a hospitable average temperature of 16°c on Earth. From the end of the last
Ice Age around 10,000 years ago to the end of the 18th Century the levels of greenhouse gas
in the atmosphere remained fairly constant. However, since the Industrial Revolution human
activity has released substantial quantities of greenhouse gases. Therefore, this has amplified
the natural greenhouse effect causing increases in average temperatures2.
Carbon dioxide is the most significant greenhouse gas and is produced largely by burning
fossil fuels such as coal, oil and gas. Furthermore, deforestation also contributes to increases
in carbon dioxide. Methane emissions produced by agricultural processes, landfill waste and
fossil fuel are also significant.
Global average surface temperatures are reported to have increased by 0.7°c in the 20th
Century. These trends are set to continue into the 21st Century at an estimated 0.3°c per
decade, accompanied by more extreme weather events such as flooding and storms. Longer
1
UK Department for Energy and Climate Change (DECC) 2012
http://www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/tackling/explaining/explaining.aspx
2 Environment Agency (2012) http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/homeandleisure/climatechange/31802.aspx
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term projections suggest that temperatures could rise by a further 1.1 to 6.4° c this century,
dependant on the extent of greenhouse gas emissions3.
The furniture industry contributes to greenhouse gas emissions in the following ways:
- By using energy and fuel derived from fossil fuels.
- By processing and manufacturing raw materials.
- By sending waste to landfill.
Ozone Layer Depletion
Ozone (O3) is a gas essential for filtering harmful ultra-violet light rays from the sun, which can
cause skin cancer and cataracts as well as restrict the growth of plants.
Ozone layer depletion has been caused by the manufacture and use of chlorofluorocarbon
(CFC) gases in a variety of products including refrigerators, home insulation, plastic foams,
fire retardants and fire fighting systems. Despite being harmless to humans, CFCs react with
and deplete ozone in the atmosphere and can persist for around 100 years. Since the 1980s
the thickness of the ozone layer has decreased significantly; at a rate of 8% per decade4. The
signatories of the 1989 Montreal Protocol agreed to eliminate CFCs by 2000; however, the
furniture industry should also be aware of the following:
-
-
Some CFCs remain in older refrigerator units, cooling systems and air conditioning
units in cars and buildings. These could be released accidentally from redundant or
poorly maintained equipment.
Maintenance of CFC containing products must, by law, be conducted by suitably
qualified individuals.
Deforestation
In the 1950s forests covered around a quarter of the Earth’s surface. Today, it is estimated
that figure has reduced to only one sixth. Logging, ‘slash and burn’ forest clearance and
development projects cause an area roughly the size of Ireland to be deforested annually5.
Forests play an instrumental role in regulating global climate by storing large amounts of
carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. Furthermore, forests contain over half of the
world’s plant and animal species and are a source of foodstuffs, medicines, fuels and industrial
products such as rubber and resins6. In the furniture and associated industries, businesses
may positively assist sustainable forest management in the following ways:
-
By ensuring that wood and wood products are sourced from legal, sustainable forests.
3
UN IPPC Fourth Assessment Report: Climate Change 2007
http://www.ipcc.ch/publications_and_data/ar4/wg1/en/contents.html
4
European Environment Agency 2012: Air Pollution http://www.eea.europa.eu/themes/air
5
The Guardian 2012 http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/deforestation
6
Greenpeace International 2012 http://www.greenpeace.org/international/en/campaigns/climatechange/science/deforestation/
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-
Complying with CITIES (The Convention on International Trade in Endangered
Species), an international agreement controlling trade in endangered species of flora
and fauna, including many timber and wood products.
By using wood and wood products from forests certified to schemes such as the
Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)7 and Programme for the Endorsement of Forest
Certification (PEFC)8.
Resource Depletion
The world’s finite resources such as coal, oil, gas and certain metal and mineral ores are being
rapidly depleted. In addition, fresh water stocks are also decreasing due to drought and
pollution. Currently, humanity uses the resources equivalent to 1.4 planet Earths9. Moreover,
as resources become increasingly scarce the price of resources will continue to rise.
Businesses in the furniture and associated industries should be aware of the following:
- Effective use of finite resources such as fuel for transportation and gas for heating can
help to minimise their depletion. Significantly, this will result in cost savings.
- Depletion of resources can also be minimised through reuse, recycling and
remanufacture of redundant products and raw materials.
Biodiversity Loss
Biodiversity loss is a decrease in the number and range of living things in an ecosystem,
typically as a result of disturbances such as pollution. Businesses can impact on biodiversity
through their land management practices and the use of natural resources. Moreover, pollution
can also harm wildlife.10 In the furniture and associated industries companies can help to
positively assist biodiversity by ensuring good site management practices that prevent or
control pollution outputs. In addition, larger organisations can develop Biodiversity Action
Plans (BAPs) as a framework to manage habitats and wildlife on their sites and support local
conservation groups11.
Acid Rain
Acid gases produced by burning coal, oil and gas react with water in the atmosphere to form
acid rain. Acid rain can cause serious environmental problems by leaching valuable salts from
soils preventing plant growth, poisoning trees, and altering the acidity of lakes and
watercourses so they can no longer support life. Moreover, buildings may also be damaged
by acid gases and deposits from vehicle exhaust emissions12. In the furniture and associated
industries activities such as adhesive coating, coating of metallic, plastic and wood surfaces,
surface cleaning, wood impregnation, use of varnishes, inks, adhesives and laminates all
release Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), which contribute to acid rain problems.
7
Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) http://www.fsc.org/
Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) http://www.pefc.org/
9
European Environment Agency 2012: Natural Resources http://www.eea.europa.eu/themes/natural
10
European Environment Agency 2012: Biodiversity http://www.eea.europa.eu/themes/biodiversity
11
Earthwatch Institute 2002. Business and Biodiversity: The Handbook for Corporate Action
http://www.businessandbiodiversity.org/pdf/IUCN-EW-WBCSD%20Handbook.pdf
12
European Environment Agency 2012: Air Pollution http://www.eea.europa.eu/themes/air
8
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1.1.2 Local Environmental Issues
Global and local environmental issues are often interrelated. Moreover, positive environmental
management by businesses can mitigate local environmental issues. For example, good site
management and correct storage of waste can prevent land pollution.
Air Pollution
Air pollution is any harmful substances emitted by an organisation’s activities, products or
services. Examples of air pollution from the furniture industry include:
-
Wood dust from manufacturing processes.
Vehicle emissions from the transportation of products.
Evaporation of solvents or aerosols from manufacturing processes.
Use of VOC containing adhesives, glues and laminates.
Emissions from wood boilers.
Water Pollution
Water pollution occurs through the release of harmful substances into watercourses. It is
crucial that any organisation discharging trade effluent from manufacturing processes can
discern between their foul sewer and surface water drains as accidental releases of
substances could result in pollution of watercourses and, ultimately, substantial fines and
remediation penalties. Examples of where water pollution incidents could arise in the furniture
and associated industries include:
-
Accidental disposal of waste hazardous substances such as paints, thinners and
adhesives into surface water drains, which flow directly into a watercourse.
Runoff from storage of coatings, oil or waste.
Effluent run off from vehicle wash down.
Land Pollution
Land pollution can be direct or indirect. Businesses may directly contaminate land from
pollution caused by their manufacturing processes or contribute to indirect land pollution
through disposal to landfill. Examples from the furniture and associated industries include:
-
Inadequate storage of chemicals or waste on site causing seepage or leaks.
Runoff of chemicals or waste container washings on to unmade ground.
Waste sent to landfill.
Hazardous substances such as waste adhesives, laminates and redundant machinery.
Nuisance Impacts
Nuisance incorporates a range of adverse impacts including visual pollution, odour and
noise. Examples of nuisance impacts from an organisation’s activities could include:
-
Negligent site management impacts such as litter, overgrown vegetation and traffic
congestion.
Operating noisy machinery or vehicles.
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Light and noise disturbances out of normal working hours.
Release of odour from manufacturing processes.
Construction of new facilities.
1.1.3 Agenda 21 and Local Agenda 21
Local Agenda 21 (LA21) is the local version of Agenda 21, a strategy and action plan for
implementing sustainable development agreed at the 1992 UN Earth Summit in Rio de
Janeiro, Brazil. The Summit agreed that sustainable development in local communities was
fundamentally affected by a combination of economic, social and environmental factors.
Accordingly, LA21 requires broad involvement from a variety of concerned parties including,
national and local government, business, schools, community groups and non-governmental
organisations.
Today, the vast majority of local authorities in the UK have LA21 strategies, as requested by
national government. However, government guidance is suggestive rather than prescriptive
and, consequently, there is substantial variation in council action plans across the UK.
Nevertheless, the common features of LA21 strategies remain as follows:
-
Initiated and supported by local authorities.
Based on groups of stakeholders or volunteers typically in working groups for specific
projects.
Projects aim to produce a strategy and implement it through changes to local plans
and programmes together with support from corporates and local residents.
Local Agenda 21 and the Furniture Industry Environment Committee (FIEC)
A considerable element of LA21 is devoted to the role of business in sustainable development.
Increasing prosperity and quality of life, a major goal of sustainable development, is attributed
primarily to the activities of business and industry. Moreover, businesses in the furniture
industry large and small provide significant economic and social benefits including:
-
Opportunities for employee training and development.
Supporting and encouraging supply chains and local economies.
Fostering community cohesion and investing in local community infrastructure.
Offering equal access to work and promoting diversity.
Consequently, business and industry should be full participants in the implementation and
evaluation of activities related to LA21. The furniture industry has been particularly proactive
at engaging with Agenda 21, demonstrated by the establishment of the Furniture Industry
Environment Committee (FIEC). Launched in 2002, FIEC aims to facilitate and promote
communication and action on key environmental issues facing the furniture industry.
Ultimately, this enables FIEC to engage with the Government and regulators on behalf of the
industry. The Committee, which meets every 6 months, is comprised of representatives from
all major Trade Federations in the furniture and associated industries, larger UK
manufacturers and other interested parties such as the Environment Agency. FIEC is keen to
welcome new members and actively encourages involvement from any interested
organisations or individuals. For further information please contact [email protected].
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Section 1: Background Information
1.2 Law and the Environment
In the UK there are two types of law:


Civil Law- covering disputes between individuals or organisations.
Criminal Law- dealing with offences against the state.
Therefore, environmental offences can result in civil or criminal liability. Typically, breaches of
environmental statutes such as the Environmental Protection Act or Hazardous Waste
Regulations carry criminal liability, whilst nuisance issues are resolved through civil law.
The majority of UK environmental law is created by statute, mainly from Acts of Parliament or
European Law as a result of Britain’s membership of the European Union. However, elements
of law have evolved over long periods of time from statute; where a law has been interpreted
under specific circumstances and correspondingly the interpretation is used thereafter. This
type of law is known as ‘Common Law’.
In the UK an act, also known as primary legislation, is passed by the Houses of Parliament
and creates the fundamental legal framework for a new piece of law as well as designating a
specific regulator or administrative agency such as the Environment Agency to implement its
provisions. Subsequently, a series of regulations or secondary legislation is enacted by the
administrative agency as a means of obtaining compliance with the overriding act. Regulations
are essentially the requirements organisations and individuals must follows.
Additionally, in certain instances where legislation is complex, guidance notes will be issued
to provide support and clarification on legislative requirements. Technical guidance includes:
-
-
Sector Guidance Notes for local authority regulated environmental permits including
chemicals, farming, mining and metal processing. These are unlikely to be applicable
to the furniture industry.
Process Guidance Notes for local authority regulated permits for emissions to air
only.
Process guidance (PG) notes detail ‘Best Available Techniques’ (BATs) for each of the main
sectors regulated to control air emissions. The following PG notes have been considered
applicable to the furniture and associated industries:
-
PG1/12(12) Combustion of Waste Wood
PG6/02(04) Manufacture of Timber and Wood based Products
PG6/33(11) Wood Coating Processes
PG6/03(11) Chemical Treatment of Wood based Products
PG6/23(11) Coating of Metal and Plastic
PG6/31(04) Powder Coating
PG6/32(11) Adhesive Coating
PG6/45(11) Surface Cleaning
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Information on all applicable process guidance notes is included in Section 3.2. Also, please
note that process guidance notes are reviewed on a 6 year cycle. Details of all statutory
process guidance notes can be found on the DEFRA website:
http://www.defra.gov.uk/industrial-emissions/las-regulations/guidance/
Figure 1 below outlines the overriding structure of UK legislation.
Figure 1: The structure of UK legislation (Source: FIRA International Ltd.)
An example from the furniture industry is as follows:
Act: Environment Protection Act 1990
Regulation: Environmental Permitting Regulations 2010
Guidance: Process Guidance Note 6/33(11) Wood Coating Processes
This Club Green Environmental Manual aims to provide a detailed overview of the key points
of relevant acts together with comprehensive information on their secondary regulations and
the requirements for businesses in the furniture and associated industries.
1.2.1 Principles of Environmental Law
Two fundamental principles that influence the majority of EU and UK environmental legislation
are:
-
The Precautionary Principle
‘Polluter Pays’ philosophy
Precautionary Principle
Typically, environmental law is drafted in response to environmental incidents. However, the
‘Precautionary Principle’ aims to prevent suspected risks or damage to human health and/or
the environment by ensuring that anticipatory measures are taken in advance, especially
where there is scientific uncertainty over the consequences or effects of an action. Effectively,
the precautionary principle shifts the burden of proof on to proponents of potentially harmful
activities. The principle was enshrined in EU Law by the 1992 Treaty of Maastricht and,
ultimately, underpins environmental policy.
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Polluter Pays
Since the 1970s the ‘Polluter Pays’ principle has been a predominant concept in environmental
law. It establishes a common framework for liability which requires that the cost of pollution
control, remediation and prevention should be borne by the party responsible. Examples of
where the principle has been enacted are:
-
Remedial costs for incidents e.g. oil spills, contamination, uncontrolled emissions of
pollutants.
Environmental taxes e.g. EU Emissions Trading Scheme, Landfill Tax and the Climate
Change Levy.
Compliance systems e.g. Producer Responsibility Obligations (Packaging Waste).
‘End of Life’ obligations e.g. electrical and electronic waste (WEEE Regulations).
‘Best Available Techniques’ (BAT) framework for integrated pollution prevention and
control.
1.2.2 The Regulators
The principal UK regulators are described below. There are a number of differences in
environmental legislation across the UK and, therefore, this is reflected in the existence of
various national environmental enforcement bodies. Please note that the contact details of
relevant UK and EU regulators are listed in Section 4.
Environment Agency
The Environment Agency (England and Wales) was formed under the Environment Act 1995,
incorporating the National Rivers Authority (NRA), Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Pollution
(HMIP), Waste Regulation Authorities and smaller units of the Department for the
Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).
The Environment Agency has a mandate to protect the environment by enforcing relevant
environmental legislation, whilst contributing towards securing sustainable development.
Therefore, the Agency has responsibility for the following functions:
-
Pollution prevention and control
Air and atmospheric emissions
Environmental management
Water resources and water quality management
Fisheries management
Waste Management
Contaminated land and radioactive substances
Flood risk management
Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA)
Also established in the 1995 Environment Act, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency
(SEPA) is Scotland’s environmental regulator and assists the Scottish Government in
delivering its environmental objectives.
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Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA)
The Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) is an executive agency within the Northern
Ireland Department of the Environment. Unlike equivalent bodies in England, Wales and
Scotland, it aims to promote and conserve both the natural and built environment.
Local Authorities
Local councils have a range of environmental regulation responsibilities delivered through
their environmental health, trading standards and planning functions. Together these may be
across District, County and Unitary Authorities and include:
-
Land use planning
Local air quality strategies
Local Air Authority Pollution Control (LAPPC)
Noise and statutory nuisance
Contaminated land
Environmental health (public health issues relating to the human environment)
Tree preservation orders
Water Companies
Water Companies have a number of legal duties relating to water supply and sewerage; to
collect, store and transfer water to cope with normal fluctuations in rainfall. Additionally, they
hold powers to manage and control the composition and quantity of industrial discharges
(trade effluent) to foul drains under the Water Industry Act 1991.
Conservation Authorities
Conservation Authorities are responsible for the preservation of wildlife in their respective
nations and have enforcement powers to prevent damage to habitats. The principal UK
conservation authorities are:
-
Natural England (England)
Countryside Council for Wales (Wales)
Scottish Natural Heritage (Scotland)
Health and Safety Executive
Health and safety in the UK is regulated by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). In some
instances there may be some overlap between environmental legislation and health and safety
legislation; for example concerning the use of hazardous substances.
1.2.3 Authorisations and Consents
Business activities that may present risks to the environment are tightly regulated. In certain
instances companies may be granted authorisations, including permits, licences, consents,
registrations or exemptions, in order to conduct certain activities. Significantly, the
Environmental Permitting Regulations 2010 have consolidated previously separate licence
and consent regimes into a single, harmonised permitting and compliance system.
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Examples of activities requiring authorisation include:
-
Air emissions.
Discharging trade effluent to foul sewers.
Abstracting water from surface water or groundwater.
Transporting waste.
Producing or transporting hazardous waste.
Typically, authorisations are granted by the Environment Agency; however, control of certain
processes may be undertaken by Local Authorities or Water Companies. Accordingly, a
business must comply with the conditions stipulated as part of their authorisation. Moreover,
it is essential to obtain agreements in writing.
Please note that the contact details for key regulators can be found in Section 4: Further
Information.
1.2.4 Enforcement and Consequences of Non-Compliance
Regulatory authorities have a wide range of enforcement powers from warning letters, notices,
formal cautions and, ultimately, prosecution. The overall aim of enforcement is to ensure that
businesses comply with legislation and take sufficient measures to prevent damage to the
environment. Generally, enforcement measures are at the discretion of the regulatory body
and, accordingly, they have developed policies to inform their actions to ensure fairness and
transparency. Moreover, regulators are always keen to work in partnership with business and
offer advice and support to achieve compliance. Nevertheless, they are obligated to employ
enforcement when the following occur:
-
An environmental incident.
A breach of the conditions of permitted activity.
Non compliance with legislation.
Enforcement is proportionate to the degree of non-compliance. Minor breaches may result in
a degree of leniency, especially where businesses are seen to be making progress towards
compliance13. However, serious, wilful or persistent cases of non-compliance are met with
prohibition notices, suspension or revocations of environmental permits and even prosecution.
Prosecution can consist of fines and/or imprisonment of varying magnitude, depending on the
Court. Typically, a Magistrate’s Court will impose a maximum fine of £50,000 and maximum
sentence of 1 year imprisonment, whilst Crown Court prosecutions can carry an unlimited fine
and maximum 5 year prison sentence.
Additionally, the Environment Civil Sanctions (England) Order 2010 provides the Environment
Agency with supplementary alternatives to prosecution in appropriate cases. Civil sanctions
focus on remediation costs and are imposed or accepted directly by the Environment Agency.
In certain circumstances the Agency may offer ‘Enforcement Undertaking’, enabling the
13
Environment Agency 2012 http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/business/regulation/31851.aspx
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offending party to set out how they propose to rectify any damage, including compensation,
and return to compliance. If formally accepted it becomes a legally binding agreement.
1.3 Business and the Environment
The first UK Sustainable Development Strategy was published in 1994. Subsequent
governments have continued to augment the strategy periodically. In February 2011, the
coalition government launched ‘Mainstreaming Sustainable Development’; a new vision
towards embedding sustainability at the core of government policy and recognising the needs
of economy, society and the natural environment alongside the need for good governance14.
August 2011 saw the release of ‘Enabling the Transition to a Green Economy’, which sets out
the government’s approach over the next decade to building the ‘green economy’ and serves
as a tool to inform continuing dialogue between government, business and communities15.
1.3.1 The Drivers for Environmental Management
There are numerous benefits for businesses in improving their environmental management as
listed below:
Financial Savings and Increased Efficiencies
These could include:
-
Operational savings from the improved efficient use of energy and raw materials.
Carriage and disposal cost savings from the minimisation of waste.
Potential business process improvements such as stock and raw materials
management.
Financial incentives to invest in low energy technologies e.g. Feed in Tariffs,
Renewable Heat Incentive and Enhanced Capital Allowances.
Probable reduction in insurance premiums.
Legislation and Risk Management
Potential benefits include:
-
Compliance with environmental legislation, preventing enforcement action from
regulators which is costly and may result in prosecution or abatement orders.
Higher control of forthcoming risks and improved planning for the future, particularly
pertinent during in the current economic climate.
Improved relationship with regulators.
Consumer/Client Demands
14
DEFRA 2011 ‘Mainstreaming Sustainable Development’ http://sd.defra.gov.uk/documents/mainstreaming-sustainabledevelopment.pdf
15
HM Government 2011 ‘Enabling the Transition to a Green Economy’:
http://www.businesslink.gov.uk/Horizontal_Services_files/Enabling_the_transition_to_a_Green_Economy__Main_D.pdf
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These include:
-
As environmental awareness among consumers continues to grow significant
opportunities exist for improved market share.
Larger organisations increasingly require their supply chain and contractor networks
to demonstrate environmental management.
Public sector procurement is performed in accordance with ‘Government Buying
Standards’, which specify minimum mandatory sustainability requirements16.
1.3.2 Environment Management Systems (EMS)
An Environment Management System (EMS) is a strategic framework enabling a company to
identify and address its significant environmental impacts, whilst fostering improvements in
future environment performance. Similar to other management systems, such as Quality and
Health and Safety, an EMS aims to manage and mitigate environmental risks by implementing
operational and managerial processes and procedures. An integral component of such a
system is periodic review and evaluation through audit, thereby affording opportunities for
continuous improvement.
The most commonly used environment management standards are:
-
ISO 14001
Eco Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS)
BS 8555
In addition, the Furniture Industry Sustainability Programme (FISP) is a standard specifically
developed to promote sustainable development in the furniture and associated industries.
Further details are provided in Section 1.3.3.
ISO 14001
By far the most widely adopted environmental accreditation, ISO 14001 is an internationally
recognised standard that details and specifies the requirements for an EMS. ISO 14001
belongs to a family of 16 ISO 14000 International Standards designed to assist companies in
addressing and reducing their impacts on the environment.
Contrary to popular belief ISO 14001 does not delineate or stipulate levels of environmental
performance. Instead it affords a holistic, systematic and strategic approach to achieve
improved environmental management. Therefore, the ISO 14001 framework can be adopted
by any organisation, irrespective of the nature or scale of their business.
Broadly, the requirements of ISO 14001 are as follows:
-
16
An Environmental Policy supported by senior management.
Environmental aims, objectives and targets that support the policy.
DEFRA 2012 http://sd.defra.gov.uk/advice/public/buying/
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Defined roles, responsibilities and authorities relating to the management of the
system.
Operational and managerial control procedures to mitigate potential non-compliance.
Documented Environment Management Programmes.
A programme for auditing, management review and corrective actions.
Eco Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS)
Established in 1995, EMAS is an EU designed initiative to help companies evaluate and
improve their environmental performance. EMAS is fully compatible with ISO 14001 and
adopts a similar framework; however, it does stipulate a number of additional requisites as
follows:
-
Production of a publically available environmental report or statement documenting
performance, verified by an external assessor.
Reporting against a set of core environmental indicators including energy efficiency,
waste, materials efficiency, biodiversity and emissions.
These supplementary requirements are intended to give EMAS, and those organisations that
participate, enhanced credibility and transparency. However, EMAS accreditation is not
generally recognised outside of the EU and, therefore, this may dissuade companies who
trade globally. Information regarding the EMAS programme can be found here:
http://ec.europa.eu/environment/emas/index_en.htm
BS 8555
BS 8555 is an environment standard designed especially for the needs of small and medium
sized businesses. Implementing ISO 14001 can be quite onerous and resource intensive,
particularly given the extensive certification requirements. Accordingly, BS 8555 offers a
systematic framework for developing an EMS on a discrete basis, thereby providing an ideal
underpinning for progress towards ISO 14001. BS 8555 is subdivided into 5 key stages:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Commitment and establishing the baseline.
Identifying and ensuring legal compliance.
Developing objectives, targets and programmes.
Implementing and operation of the EMS.
Checking, audit and management review.
Completion of the sixth and final stage leads to accreditation against the ISO 14001 or EMAS
standards.
Significantly, BS 8555 enables external assessment and certification at any stage, allowing
an organisation to gain recognition for its improvements in environmental management and
performance. Several BS 8555 accreditation programmes exist, including ACORN and
STEMS operated by the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA) and
British Standards Institute (BSI), respectively.
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1.3.3 Furniture Industry Sustainability Programme (FISP)
Launched in 2006, FISP has become established as the
furniture industry forum for all environmental and
sustainability issues. The FISP certification scheme
recognises those businesses that demonstrate ongoing
commitment to managing and improving their sustainability
performance. FIRA are responsible for the auditing and
verification of FISP members. The audit is comprised of
the three sections structured as follows:
1) Core Commitments
A compulsory section in which applicants are required to demonstrate evidence of the following:
-
An environmental policy
Compliance with all applicable environment, health and safety legislation
2) Environmental Commitments
A minimum of five environmental aspects from the following:
-
Environmental Management Systems (EMS)
Waste management
Energy management
Packaging management
Transport management
Procurement
Sustainable timber
Air and water management
‘Eco’ Design and End of life management
3) Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Commitments
A minimum of four social and economic aspects from the following:
-
Nuisance management
Community relations and charity work
Education and training
Employment
Ethical issues
Competitiveness
Reporting and awards
Further information on FISP can be found at: http://www.fispfurniture.com/
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