What is BS 8555?
BS 8555 (also known as the Acorn Scheme) is a standard which provides organisations with guidance on a phased approach to the implemetation of environmental management systems (EMS). There are six phases that can be tackled incrementally and at a pace that suits your organisation. Following through all the phases could lead your organisation to being in a position to be assessed against ISO 14001 or the eco-management and audit scheme (EMAS). It is aimed at any organisation but is particularly suitable for small to medium enterprises (SME’s) who want recognition for their efforts on environmental management but are not yet in a position to gain registration to ISO 14001.
The main benefits of BS 8555 are that it offers flexibility as the implementation and registration can proceed at a rate that takes into account the many other organisational pressures. It means that you can reap the rewards of having a recognised EMS such as improved market share and the identification of potential savings. It will also help you to manage your environmantal risks and legal compliance issues depending on which phase you aim to achieve.
NQA is currently one of only two Acorn inspection bodies in the UK qualified to inspect against BS 8555. You can become registered to any phase up to and including phase five. Beyond phase five organisations should seek EMAS or ISO 14001 registration. To become registered to the Acorn Scheme NQA will inspect your organisation’s EMS against the stage profiles within the relevant phases of BS 8555 to ensure you meet the achievement criteria.
For more information contact NQA by email: ems@nqa.com or by telephone: 08000 522424
Coming soon, JPD with NQA will be offering a one-day course on BS 8555, for more information contact Nicola Scott on 0870 438 2573.
(Taken from NQA Reporter, Autumn 2005)