Introduction - Environmental Awards: Silver award: Guidance

1.1 The Business Environment Network

This is an award for organisations and companies who are prepared to make significant progressing along the road of environmental Management.

They will have made their initial commitment to environmental management, to the level required for the Bronze Award. This will have included an initial environmental review of their environmental aspects/impacts, normally with the help of the BEN Advisor.

The Silver Award is about development and implementation of the main elements of an EMS, centred around the minimisation of environmental risks and the control of significant aspects/impacts. In particular this will include the setting of environmental objectives and targets.

For many small organisations the documentation will not be onorous, but the implementation of the main EMS elements will follow the same process as for larger organisations.

1.2 Criteria for the Silver Award

Recipients will have demonstrated (in response to questions, in documented form and/or by action) the following:

1.2.1
That there is communication of their Environmental Policy to all interested parties both internally and externally.

1.2.2
That they have carried out an initial environmental review of all environmental impacts associated with their operation including the use of utilities and resources and the production of solid wastes, effluents and emissions.

1.2.3
The presence of procedures to identify and access relevant legal and other requirements relevant to their activities.

1.2.4
That they have drawn up Objectives (major aims, like avoiding surface water pollution) and Targets (smaller aims, probably grouped under objectives, like providing better storage for liquids or installing spill kits). (This can be produced easily with help from the consultant, during the assessment process. A generic "Policy" will be available for you to modify)

1.2.5
That they produce an Environmental Management Programme.

1.2.6
That there are Environmental Management & Operational Procedures to cover and control any significant impact or risk.

1.2.7
That, where significant environmental impacts are associated with certain jobs, the competence and awareness of the person has been assessed and where necessary training is provided.

1.2.8
That there are Emergency Plans in place which include environmental matters and the minimisation of the resulting environmental impact.