There is a vast array of sustainability standards around; with new standards appearing all the time, while more established standards are being revised – in particular the ISO suite of management systems. We can help you understand the key standards, how they can benefit your business and what you actually need to do.

The benefits of sustainability standards

Used well, standards will help you manage and measure sustainability performance across your business and value chain and will deliver a range of benefits including:

• Improved management of sustainability risk
• Continual improvements and efficiencies
• Compliance with legislation - current and future
• Competitive advantage - customers, both business and public sector, look for standards to show commitment to sustainability.

Gaining a standard requires investment. Frustratingly they are often done badly or just seen as a box ticking exercise and consequently just provide additional bureaucracy with few of the promised benefits.

We will work with you to make sure see all the benefits and a high return on your investment.

ISO 14001 Environmental Management Systems (EMS)

ISO 14001 provides a framework for an EMS to help organisations protect the environment, respond to changing environmental conditions and enhance environmental performance. A new version was released in October 2015.

ISO 14001:2015 uses the Annex SL structure; which, over time, will give all ISO management system standards a shared framework making it easier to implement combined management systems, reducing time and red-tape. The new standard will also encourage organisations to look at the opportunities their environmental impacts present as well as just addressing risk.

The new version brings challenges too; it requires a stronger lead from top management, a commitment to continual improvement and increases emphasis on internal communications.

BS:8903 principles and framework for procuring sustainability

BS8903 is the only current recognised guidance standard for sustainable procurement.

It helps organisations develop a structured approach to socially and ethically responsible purchasing, minimising environmental impacts through the supply chain, and saving money through resource efficiency.

The standard has been adopted by professional bodies such as the Chartered Institute of Purchasing & Supply (CIPS), and Anthesis has worked with CIPS to offer organisations a full accredited sustainable procurement review against BS8903. This review identifies where you are, your risks and opportunities, and then provides practical guidance on next steps.