On the 30th of November, the Future Leap Network hosted an online interactive event titled “An Introduction to Environmental Management Systems (ISO 14001)”. Before the event began, the attendees enjoyed some networking in breakout rooms.
She then introduced the speakers:
- Richard Bromley, Carbon Lens - An introduction to ISO 14001
- Mark Hedges, Cala Sustain – The implementation essentials, common challenges and opportunities
- Louise Hart, University West of England - Case Study
Richard Bromley, Carbon Lens - An introduction to ISO 14001
Richard gave us an informative introduction to ISO 14001 as an internationally recognised management system that can be used by companies of all sizes, the processes of which are geared towards the size of the company. The system introduces good environmental practice and reduces risk of damaging the environment. Top-down commitment is required as well as needing to continually improve the system and the scope of objectives the company wants to meet.
Mark Hedges, Cala Sustain – The implementation essentials, common challenges and opportunities
Mark built on the introductory presentation by considering the essentials to implementing the system, this included allowing targets to be achievable with the suggestion of more manageable incremental targets. He expressed that perhaps ISO management has an image problem and is not as trendy as CSR, ESG, B Corp, SDGs, etc. The system is often perceived as being designed for heavy industry as well as being quite factual and hard to digest. However, there are opportunities with the ISO management system such as its ability to be integrated with other systems and the name giving a company increased credibility.
Louise Hart, University West of England - Case Study
Louise told us about how the University West of England (UWE) recognises the urgency of the climate crisis by committing to be carbon neutral as an organisation, with net-zero emissions of greenhouse gases by 2030. They are focusing in particular on climate and plastics. Louise emphasised the importance that the ISO management system does not need to cover all boundaries however your scope should be challenging. Nonetheless, it is acceptable to scale back targets if required. One of the benefits Louise pointed out about the system is that measuring performance and generating data allows the top management to get more involved in environmental management as it is easier for them to understand.
60 second pitches
Carbon Lens, Halcyan Water, and A&R House all took the opportunity to do a 60 second pitch that helped to facilitate networking.
Close
Attendees entered break out rooms for a final 15 minutes of networking before returning for a final goodbye from Lauren who thanked all the speakers and attendees.
