QMS & EMS London

Computers were meant to make our lives easier. We now have access to environmental surveys, energy use predictions, ESOS (energy savings opportunity scheme) audits, carbon reporting data, waste management records and demolition surveys on the computer rather than on paper. This should mean that we can reach the information we need at the click of a button. However, although the 30-year-old operations manual, safely stored in its ring binder, still exists in some organisations, it is often a struggle to find those electronic files that were emailed over the previous year. And, if another employee edits the Excel file in which you were compiling your energy stats, how can you be sure which version contains the most up-to-date information?

More than six million tonnes of electronic waste discarded in the EU did not end up in official collection and recycling systems, according to a two-year investigation coordinated by Interpol. Publishing its report today, the Countering WEEE Illegal Trade (CWIT) project found that 65% of the EU’s 6.15 million tonnes of e-waste was exported; recycled under non-compliant conditions in Europe (3.15 million tonnes); scavenged for valuable parts (750,000 tonnes); or was thrown in waste bins (750,000 tonnes).

Whether the new international standard for environmental management systems, ISO 14001:2015, strengthens the links between the EMS and organisational strategy, more effectively engages leaders and ensures environmental aspects are related to business risks and opportunities will largely depend on the quality of the internal and external audits.

Scotland’s oldest university is aiming to be energy self-sufficient by 2016. A paper mill had been operating in the village of Guardbridge outside St Andrews in Fife for more than 130 years when it closed in 2008. One reason for its demise was the rising cost of energy, ironic considering its imminent transformation to a biomass plant constructed primarily to slash energy bills at St Andrews University. The 6MW biomass plant is a key part of St Andrews’ ambitions to become the first university in the UK to be carbon-neutral for energy by 2016. A 12MW wind farm being built just outside the town will also help the university realise its ambition. Together, the projects should reduce the institution’s carbon emissions by 29,000 tonnes a year.

This article explores the role of environmental impact assessments (EIAs) in complex urban sites, in particular, how an ES can ensure that local planning authorities are fully aware of likely effects and can balance those against other considerations.  Nexus Planning has recently secured approval for one of the largest regeneration projects in the London borough of Haringey, at St Ann’s Hospital. The project, for Barnet, Enfield and Haringey Mental Health NHS Trust, will deliver 470 new homes, a shop, and new healthcare facilities, including a mental health inpatient building on an 11 hectare site.

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).