Beacon worked intensively onsite with representatives of each business, providing guidance and documentation needed to implement the BS8555 standard. For some, certification was achieved in less than 6 months, a fantastic achievement.

To achieve Phase 3 of BS8555 the businesses:

• Carried out an environmental review
• Identified their significant environmental impacts
• Identified environmental laws relevant to the business and demonstrated compliance
• Launched an environmental policy and improvement programme
• Raised staff awareness and provided training where needed
• Developed procedures to ensure that significant impacts were managed effectively

Two businesses progressed beyond the initial programme objectives and achieved certification to Phase 5 of BS8555. Phases 4 and 5 address the remaining requirements of the international environmental management system standard ISO 14001 requiring the companies to:

• Develop further management system procedures
• Introduce an audit programme and demonstrate that robust audits are taking place

The two businesses which have achieved Phase 5 now have an EMS which meets all requirements of the ISO14001 standard, and following a short period of 'settling in' will be able to apply for full certification to the ISO14001 standard.

For more information on the BS 8555 phased approach, and the benefits it offers to small-medium sized businesses considering the ISO 14001 standard - click BS 8555 - An EMS for small businesses