BS8555
BS8555:2016 Environmental management systems. Phased implementation. Guide is a British Standard which provides guidance for organisations on building an environmental management system (EMS).
An EMS is a set of processes or practices that enable an organisation to reduce its overall environmental impacts whilst increasing its operating efficiency. It is a framework that enables a company to achieve its environmental goals by adopting a consistent approach tailored to its specific goals and business activities. For more information, see Environmental management system.
BS8555 is intended for SME's wanting to improve thier environmental performance, by providing a manageable approach which allows them to stop at any stage. It can also be used by larger organisations that are aiming to introduce an EMS across multiple sites simultaneously.
The standard assists organisations to coordinate an EMS with other management systems that may already be in place, and demonstrate to stakeholders that they are tackling their impact on the environment. It can also help organisations satisfy regulatory requirements, manage their resources and save energy by decreasing waste and cutting out inefficiencies.
An alternative standard for environmental management systems is ISO 14001.
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