BS 8555 Certification.
Enhance environmental management & achieve sustainable practices
BS 8555 is a recognised standard for implementing an Environmental Management System (EMS) in a phased approach, specifically designed for businesses looking to improve their environmental performance.
It provides a structured framework for organisations to progressively develop their EMS, enabling them to achieve environmental sustainability and work towards higher standards like ISO 14001 or EMAS.
Whether you're a small enterprise or a large corporation, BS 8555 helps you manage environmental impacts, comply with regulations, and reduce operational costs.
Key benefits
Independent verification of your environmental management practices
Strengthened corporate reputation and increased stakeholder trust
Progressive implementation of an EMS, reducing resource requirements and costs
Improved environmental performance, reducing energy waste
Enhanced regulatory compliance and reduction in penalties or legal risks
What is BS 8555?
BS 8555 is a British Standard designed to guide organisations through the implementation of an Environmental Management System (EMS). It consists of six phases, allowing businesses to establish a baseline, assess environmental risks, and progressively improve their environmental practices. BS 8555 is particularly useful for organisations that want to achieve ISO 14001 or EMAS certification over time but prefer a more flexible and cost-effective approach.
The six phases of BS 8555 cover everything from initial planning and legal compliance to monitoring and system acknowledgement, ensuring organisations meet industry-specific regulations and reduce their environmental footprint.
The certification helps organisations develop an effective environmental management system in phases, making it more adaptable and less resource-intensive, while ensuring continuous progress towards more comprehensive environmental standards.
Why choose BS 8555 for your business?
Phased approach
BS 8555 offers a gradual implementation process, making it easier for organisations to manage and allocate resources effectively.
Cost-effective
The phased implementation helps spread out the costs associated with environmental management, making it accessible to organisations of all sizes.
Environmental performance
BS 8555 helps organisations reduce waste, conserve energy, and minimise their environmental impacts, promoting sustainable business practices.
Legal compliance
By following BS 8555, businesses ensure they meet environmental legislation and regulatory requirements, reducing the risk of fines or penalties.
Improved brand image
Certification enhances your reputation, showcasing your commitment to environmental sustainability and responsible business practices.
The BS 8555 certification process
The BS 8555 certification process is divided into six phases, which guide organisations through the implementation of an Environmental Management System. Each phase builds upon the previous one, helping your business develop a robust and efficient EMS.
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Phase 1: Establishing a baseline
In this phase, your organisation will assess its current environmental practices, identify risks, and establish a baseline for improvement. This helps pinpoint areas that need attention and set a clear starting point for environmental performance.
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Phase 2: Identifying and Assuring Compliance
Organisations identify relevant environmental legislation and ensure compliance. This step includes understanding local, national, and international regulations that impact your operations, helping you avoid legal risks.
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Phase 3: Developing Objectives, Targets, and Programmes
In this phase, you’ll set clear, measurable environmental objectives and targets. You'll develop action plans to meet these objectives, ensuring that your EMS is both structured and achievable.
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Phase 4: Implementation and Operation
This phase focuses on putting your environmental management plans into action. You'll implement the necessary processes, procedures, and responsibilities to meet your environmental targets, ensuring smooth operations.
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Phase 5: Checking, Auditing, and Management Reviews
Regular checks, audits, and reviews are essential to ensure that your EMS is functioning as intended. This phase helps identify gaps and areas for improvement, providing ongoing opportunities to enhance your environmental practices.
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Phase 6: Environmental Management System Acknowledgement
The final phase involves acknowledging and formally recognising your EMS achievements. This phase ensures that all objectives have been met, and that the EMS is fully integrated into the organisation's operations.
Ready to get started?
If your organisation is committed to improving environmental performance and achieving sustainability, BS 8555 certification is the ideal solution.
Contact the Green Business Centre today to begin your certification process and build a more sustainable future for your business.
BS 8555 FAQs
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BS 8555 is a British Standard for Environmental Management Systems, designed to help businesses implement sustainable practices in a phased approach, eventually progressing towards ISO 14001 or EMAS certification.
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BS 8555 is suitable for organisations of all sizes across various industries that want to progressively implement environmental management practices.
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Certification is suitable for organisations of all sizes and industries that want to improve workplace health and safety practices.
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The certification process typically spans several months, depending on the complexity of your organisation’s environmental management system and the resources available.
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BS 8555 is a well-respected standard in the UK and other countries, providing a clear pathway to achieving global standards like ISO 14001 and EMAS.
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We offer full support throughout the certification process, from initial gap analysis to system development and final audits, ensuring your EMS meets all BS 8555 requirements.