Now, is an important time for any person or organisation that is interested to adopt BS 8555 (the British Standard for Environmental management systems as a phased implementation) or is an existing user.
As you may already know, BS 8555 outlines an implementation process that can be undertaken in up to six separate phases and allows for phased acknowledgement of progress towards full EMS implementation.
It also includes advice on the integration and use of environmental performance evaluation techniques during the implementation process and the co-ordination of an EMS with other management systems.
BS 8555 will help all organizations improve their environmental performance and their supply chain relationships with the following guidance:
- Describes a six-phase incremental approach to implementing an EMS using environmental performance evaluation.
- Provides information to organizations on environmental performance management and the use of environmental performance indicators.
- Helps organizations satisfy the environmental criteria increasingly being set in contract tenders by new and existing major clients.
- Can be used by organizations who may wish to self-declare or seek voluntary phased recognition throughout the implementation process.
Beyond this, those using the standard can:
- choose to engage in environmental performance management to the level commensurate with the risks they face
- identify and maximize the areas of greatest potential return on investment
- demonstrate to interested parties that progress is being made towards the target level of environmental management.
I strongly advise commenting on the draft version of the revised BS 8555 as this will be the last opportunity to influence the drafting of the British Standard before its final publication later in 2016 / early 2017 by either purchasing an electronic copy from BSi here or to visit the BSI Draft Review portal, where it is possible to view the text of the draft BS 8555 and to make comments directly to BSI “free of change”. If you plan to use the BSI Draft Review portal, you should head for the Review section of their website here, where you will need to register for free access.
Whichever method you use, please take time to review the draft BS 8555 as this British Standard will have significant influence over the phased implementation of ISO 14001 for at least the next five years. The deadline for comment on the draft BS 8555 to BSI is 11 September 2016.