Environmental management systems (EMS)

In general an environmental management system aims to ensure that the activities of the organisation or business are compliant with its Environmental Policy and as a minimum, comply with relevant national and international legislation. Whether a company has a formal EMS or not, any company that is serious about its environmental performance should have an environmental policy which defines their intentions and sets out a framework for achieving them.

An Environmental Policy Statement is an effective way to communicate your environmental commitments to your backers, suppliers, customers and competitors. It shows that your company is aware of environmental issues and is prepared to take a responsible and active approach in dealing with such issues. Improving environmental performance can lead to increased efficiencies and competitive advantage. It is also important to remember that customers are increasingly enquiring about the environmental policies and practices of their suppliers, and are changing their buying patterns to purchase from those companies that can demonstrate sound environmental management.

Each business in the recreational boating sector will differ and whilst some aspects are generic to all organisations some will be relevant only to a particular activity.

Exclusive Service to BMF Members

The BMF have developed an exclusive service for their members, helping marine business develop their own in-house Environment Management System.  Following certification to Phase 5 of the BS 8555 Environment Management System standard, members of the BMF can gain access to templates and further guidance used at Marine House.

This guidance will not provde businesses with a third party certification, however it will provide them with a standard which demonstrates effective management of their business and the environment.

Click HERE to start!

Why be sustainable?

Sustainable Development is not just about the environment. It is about people living and working in the environment, ensuring a better quality of life for everyone, now and in the future.

Achieving a balance between economic, social and environmental factors is vital to the future growth of boating and the prosperity of the leisure marine industry.

There are wider significant business benefits to being more sustainable, and it is important that the recreational boating sector understand these benefits. Implementing more sustainable practices can allow businesses and organisations to:
 

• Save money

Resource efficiency, i.e. more prudent use of energy and water, and the reduction of waste production, provides the opportunity for quick wins for business and should be the focus for small companies. These initiatives can bring immediate savings and eco-efficient products are a business opportunity for the sector. Amongst BMF members there are many examples of companies exploiting this opportunity.
 

• Comply with environmental regulations

Since the early 1990s, industry has been increasingly subject to environmental regulation, much of it driven by European legislation. There are now tight controls on atmospheric and trade effluent emissions and on the disposal of waste materials. Such controls have often necessitated improvements in management procedures and have led to improved environmental performance with, in many cases, significant operational cost savings. Whilst much regulation is thought only to apply to large scale industrial activities, existing and proposed environmental legislation is applicable to all companies and organisations whatever their size. For example, all companies and organisations are subject to a ‘duty of care’ when disposing of waste, including office waste, and additional regulations cover the use and disposal of hazardous waste.
  

• Conserve the boating environment:

All organisations must be responsible for the environmental consequences of their operations and activities. This is particularly vital for leisure-based interests such as the recreational boating sector, whose products are often used in a sensitive environment. This sector is heavily dependent on clean, high quality water, which is the major attraction for its customers.
 

• Respond to customer requirements

All companies need to be sensitive to their customers’ requirements. Consumers are increasingly environmentally aware and not afraid of questioning companies on their operating and environmental procedures and the performance of their products. Organisations should be aware that environmental education is now a part of the national curriculum, and that a whole generation of environmentally-aware individuals is growing up and will become the customers of tomorrow.
 

• Reduce the need for further legislation

Environmental legislation reflects concerns about the ways in which our activities affect the natural and human environments. The concern is growing as the evidence-base for problems firms up, so it makes sense to take action before more stringent restrictions are imposed.
 

•  Enhance company reputation

In an increasingly competitive marketplace, company reputation can make all the difference. By actively promoting environmental good practice in the goods and services provided, organisations can improve their reputation.