Business and Environment Management Scheme (BeMS)

Mathonwy Suter

Issues facing SMEs

• Lack of knowledge, skills and time• Changing legislation• Increasing business overheads• Economic tools by government to reduce

pollution and improve resource efficiency• Pressure from customers• Resource consumption• Pollution of air, land and water• Consultants too expensive

Background to BeMS

• Developed in 1999• Designed in consultation with SMEs• Aligns with nationally recognised Environmental Management

Systems• Awarded Green Apple Award for Environmental Best Practice

BeMS Management System

• Structured, staged support programme• Based around initial review• Tailored to individual business needs

Stage 1Register & adopt an environmental policy

Stage 6 Independent verification – ACCREDITATION

Stage 5 Check the results

Stage 4 Take action & set targets

Stage 2 Record and analyse impacts

Stage 3Identify priorities

Travel Plan

• Structure very similar to overall EMS• Important addition

Stage 1Executive Policy Statement

Stage 6 AWARDS!

Stage 5 Monitoring & evaluation

Stage 4 Take action & set targets

Stage 2 Current Travel Patterns

Stage 3Objectives

• Save you money• well being of your staff • productivity of your staff • Corporate Social Responsibility • Enhance your reputation • Improve local air quality • greenhouse gas emissions • Reduce local noise levels

Benefits of Travel Plan

BeMS Support Package

• Onsite support• Accredited training• Workshops and seminars • Website• Business Review newsletter• Telephone helpline • CD ROM toolkit

The Cd toolkit!

Environmental Policy Template

Initial Review

Self Check Audit

Action Plan Template

Tutorial andHelp System

Monitoring and Recording System

Training PlanTemplate

Accreditation

• Equivalent to BS 8555 Level 1• Leads into ISO 14001• Independent IEMA qualified auditor• Successful companies awarded certificate• Use logo to publicise achievements

• Competitive Advantage • Reduced Costs• Enhanced Image/CSR • Improved Efficiency • Minimise Risk • Motivated Staff • Legal Compliance

Benefits of EMS

Case Study

• Problem: waste disposal costs• Solution: recycle wood waste

1 tonne to fuel energy supply

7 tonnes as a

saleable commodi

ty

+8

tonnes of

waste

=

• Result:

Wittswood Timber Products Ltd

Case study

Norwich & Peterborough Building Society

• 18% reduction in electric consumption equating to £27,000 saving

• “ The N&P have found that the help and guidance provided by BEMS has been invaluable and has enabled us to secure a recognised, professional environmental accreditation that is suited to our size of business.”

Kevin Orme, Head of Facilities

Case study

Anglia Circuits

• Increased water efficiency by 41%, saving £5,300 per annum

• 34% saving from waste recycling, saving £2,100• Reduced effluent treatment by 60%, saving £4,600

• "As a result of joining BEMS we have made significant savings. It has also raised our profile as an environmentally friendly company throughout our industry and in our locality"Norman Scott, Quality & Environment Manager.

Summary

BeMS:• Is tailored to fit individual business needs• Is a structured system leading to ISO 14001• Improves business image• Saves businesses money