Implement an environmental management system (EMS)
You may wish to implement an Environmental management system (EMS). An EMS encourages a systematic approach to help you to identify your business' impact on the environment and then manage your activities to reduce your impact, for example by reducing the energy or water you use or the waste you produce.
An EMS is something you can develop to suit your own needs, there are many businesses with their own bespoke EMS. What is important is that it is appropriate, and works for your business.
Accreditation
You can go a stage further and go for an EMS that is accredited to an agreed standard. There are a number of schemes available; many are specifically designed for smaller businesses that don’t have the time to do everything necessary at once. You can follow the guidance to develop an externally accredited EMS, for example by joining the Green Tourism Scheme:
There are several schemes that follow the British Standard BS3555 and break the process down into small sections. Over time, this can build into a fully accredited EMS.
The Acorn scheme from IEMA is currently unavailable.
For more information about how an EMS can help your business, read the NetRegs case studies at:
NetRegs: Case studies and videos
For information on how to start the process:
NetRegs: Environmental Management Systems
GOV.UK: Sustainable procurement e-learning modules
In Scotland you can work through CPD accredited Green Champions Training on the Zero Waste Scotland website:
Business Energy Scotland: Green Champions Training