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.