QMS & EMS London

Serious pollution incidents dropped by 11% in 2014 compared to 2013, according to the latest data from the Environment Agency. The statistics reveal that there were 614 serious pollution incidents in 2014, down from 688 in 2013. However, the total is still higher than those recorded in 2012, said the regulator. Activities permitted under the environmental permitting regulations saw a 23% drop in incidents, from 323 in 2013 to 249 in 2014. Over three-quarters of these incidents (79%) affected air quality, the agency said, with odour, smoke, dust and noise being the main issues. 

When ISO started revising 14001, the standard for environmental management systems (EMS), it emphasised the importance of measuring, monitoring and managing performance. Under the clauses in the draft standard covering objectives and targets and in the section on performance evaluation, organisations are required to adopt performance indicators. The draft defines an indicator as a measurable representation of the condition or status of operations, management or conditions. This definition originates from ISO 14031, which provides guidance on environmental performance evaluation (EPE).

Managing supply chains effectively is key to any successful business. This is particularly true in today’s world of global supply chains and in which civil society, the media and non-governmental organisations demand more transparency. Sustainable supply chain management incorporates the tender process to ensure that proper criteria are included, as well as measures to protect profit, such as business continuity, and brand and reputation management.

Businesses are finding it increasingly difficult to implement and manage sustainability policies, research by the trade body for facilities managers has revealed. The annual British Institute for Facilities Management (BIFM) survey found that respondents’ confidence in their ability to implement and manage their environmental and sustainability policies had declined from 60% last year to 40% this year, the steepest year-on-year decrease in the nine years BIFM has been conducting the survey.