Useful Links

BS 8555 is a British Standard which allows organisations to put in place an EMS in a stepwise way that meets the needs of individual business. There are also three schemes of accredited inspection that enable companies to gain recognition against BS 8555. They are BSI Stems, Green Dragon and the IEMA Acorn Scheme.

• STEMS
  STEMS is a step-by-step programme to help achieve accreditation goals.
• Green Dragon
  Green Dragon is a five stage environmental management system relevant to the specific needs of your business. Participating organisations gain recognition for effective environmental management without necessarily adopting a formal management system.
• Acorn
  The Acorn Scheme is an initiative implemented by the IEMA. It helps to achieve recognised standards for EMS through a phased process. This scheme is also recommended by the Government.

Additional Sources of Information

• EMAS
  EMAS - the Eco-Management and Audit Scheme, is a voluntary initiative designed to improve companies’ environmental performance.
• Defra
  Defra position statement on Environmental Management Systems.
• UKAS
  The United Kingdom Accreditation Service is the sole national accreditation body recognised by government to assess, against internationally agreed standards, organisations that provide certification, testing, inspection and calibration services.
• Businesslink
  Further Guidance from Business Link on using a stepwise approach to EMS.