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IN SUPPORT OF LOCAL AUTHORITIES
SGS United Kingdom Ltd joins forces with Kirklees Council, Defra, Iema and UKAS in supporting an EMS networking event to take place on 4 September at the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre in Westminster.
The one-day event -“Raising Our Game” - brings together the national network of regional Environmental Management System (EMS) groups and members of local authorities, central government, NHS, fire service, public transport and the police, for a day of networking and sharing of best practice on key environmental management issues.
“It’s an event with a difference. A chance for everyone to share their experience with each other,” says Adele Wiseman of Kirklees Council, founder members of the EMS network, and one of the event’s co-sponsors with SGS United Kingdom Ltd.
During the day delegates will hear speeches from a senior member of the EMS steering group, and a keynote presentation from Joan Ruddock MP, Minister for Climate Change, Biodiversity and Waste (Defra) They will also get the chance to present and discuss case studies on hot topics and best practice at a facilitated table discussion.
The day closes with a plenary and panel discussion.
‘’I believe this event offers a unique opportunity for the public sector to understand how an EMS provides a framework for implementing and achieving sustainable policies, goals and strategies”.says Ray Mooney, Product Manager at SGS United Kingdom Ltd
It provides an understanding of how third party certification can provide a platform for tangible business improvement of suppliers who have worked closely with a number of high profile public sector organisations to certificate their EMS over a number of years.
To find out more about the event in July or to register contact SGS on Tel 01276 697 999 or email Adele Wiseman.
More about the EMS network
The EMS network evolved from a commitment to the eco-management and audit scheme (EMAS), developed by the European Commission in 1995 as a voluntary standard to help organisations recognise and manage their impact on the environment.
The EMAS scheme helps public and private organisations address their environmental issues - from carbon emissions to waste management to the use of natural resources. It also helps to lower costs, increase energy efficiency, and enhance organisations’ green credentials.
Kirklees Council has played a major role in raising awareness of EMAS and developing the EMS network.
On registering with EMAS in 2000, Kirklees established the Yorkshire EMS Group with the Local Authorities in Bradford and Leeds to share thoughts on best practice and discuss EMS problems. The group became a huge success, with 23 members from the public sector in the Yorkshire and Humber region alone.
In July 2006 Kirklees approached Defra for funding to replicate the Yorkshire EMS group in other regions in England, and to encourage other public sector bodies to support each other at a regional level. Today there are networks of commercial businesses and public bodies established in eight regions across the country.
Last year Kirklees received an award from the European Commission for being at the forefront of environmental action, coming first in the “EMAS UK largest organisation” category!
What are the benefits of joining the network?
Implement your own EMS faster and save money
On joining the network, all members have access to an EMS toolkit, developed by Kirklees Council. An Excel spreadsheet with simple flow chart procedures accurately captures all the information you need to register to EMAS or certify to ISO 14001:2004.
With this electronic tool you avoid the pitfalls and the time-consuming procedures of manual data entry.
Continue to expand your knowledge of EMS
At regular meetings members share best practice and knowledge, learn about training opportunities, and discuss environmental and sustainability issues. This makes it easier to deal with single issues and solve implementation problems.
The government network benefits too. By participating in the EMS groups, the government network can carry its message and deliver more national environmental objectives at a local and regional level.
Guarantee compliance with changing environmental legislation
All network members have access to an up-to-date register of environmental legislation, which ensures legal compliance.
Learn from key speakers in the field
SGS United Kingdom Ltd have provided presentations to network members on the issues involved in the design and implementation of an EMS and helped to demystify the certification process.
Praise for the network
Government Ministers and Officers have praised the work of the EMS network. Before last year’s inaugural event Joan Ruddock, Minister for Climate Change, Biodiversity and Waste, said: "The EMS Network is an excellent example of how imaginative thinking, and innovation can help to stimulate and support increased take up of environmental management systems.”
Ian Pearson, Minister of State for Climate Change and the Environment, added: ”I fully support the efforts of Kirklees Council to raise awareness of the benefits of EMS, and to encourage other public sector bodies to take action by sharing skills, knowledge and best practice."
To qualify for the EMAS scheme organisations must implement an environmental management system (EMS) and produce an independently verified report on their performance.
SGS United Kingdom Ltd
SGS United Kingdom Ltd is the world’s leading certification and verification body. To find out more about how to register for EMAS or ISO14001:2004 certification contact SGS on +44 (0) 1276 697 999 or email us.
Related Links:
Learn more about the EMS Network
Find out about EMAS Certification
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