Headline Article
Cleaning Sector doing its bit for the Environmental Agenda
Released on 15/10/2008
Back in 2004, a plan was formed between the CSSA and White Young Green (WYG) to embed environmental management into the cleaning sector. The best way envisioned to do this was to utilise existing standards in the market place, such as ISO 14001, EMAS and BS 8555/Acorn, and to build a cleaning sector-specific support package around them. Nice idea but at the time there was no funding available for the project.
Then, in early 2006, WYG obtained Defra funding for a multi-sector project, and invited the CSSA in as a key partner. An initial one year pilot project was launched in April 2006, followed by a roll out year from April 2007.
The project’s first year aim was to develop and test an environmental management support package for cleaning and support services providers, basing it around the popular BS 8555/Acorn approach, which offers a phased approach to environmental management. Nine cleaning companies participated in the pilot project as follows:
- Ambassador Services.
- Bullough Cleaning Services.
- Carlisle Cleaning and Support Services (Public Sector).
- Carlisle Cleaning and Support Services (Retail Sector).
- Futures Supplies and Support Services.
- ICM.
- OCS.
- QAS.
- Regent Cleaning.
All the above companies achieved certification to either Phase 3 or 5 of
BS 8555/Acorn, with many subsequently progressing to ISO 14001.
The first year of the project left a legacy which is now available to other cleaning companies comprising:
- A sector-specific support package consisting of:
- A CD providing guidance notes and templates for the five key BS 8555/Acorn Phases.
- Individual training workshops for each Phase.
- Flexible consultancy support.
- A fully tested project support package which can be used repeatedly in future to help cleaning companies with environmental management system (EMS) implementation.
The project’s benefits are endorsed by some of the pilot participants. Duncan Bullough, MD of Skipton-based Bullough Cleaning Services highlighted a key benefit as saving time in the tendering process: “We have now successfully achieved Phase 5 of BS 8555, which will prove invaluable to us in freeing up the vast amounts of management time that we have to spend answering environmental questions on PQQs and in tenders.
To be able to tick a box saying that we have a certified management system will make life much easier in the future – and hopefully help us to secure further contracts.”
Participant companies also found that the Environment was an issue that employees and clients were motivated about. Laura Oliver, Chief Executive of Quality Assured Services said: “Our staff have responded very positively to the project and we are now working with three of our major clients in developing their recycling and waste disposal systems.”
Andy Lewinton, Divisional QUENSH Manager of Carlisle Cleaning and Support Services stated that “as a route to implementing an EMS and improving environmental performance, the Defra funded CSSA BS8555/Acorn programme has many benefits, not only for the SME, but also for a large business. Through the phased implementation of the BS 8555 Standard with the guidance and support of the programme leaders, the benefits are:
2. offers a controlled and managed implementation process;1. provides a clear view of the objectives for each Phase and the overall project goal;
3. fosters greater staff awareness and understanding of environmental issues;
4. involves people at all levels, so helping to instil the desired culture; and
5. establishes a strong platform on which to deliver environmental objectives thus leading to continual improvement and environmental excellence.
By constantly improving environmental performance we continue to win the confidence of our staff and clients, and because of this commitment our business continues to grow. Carlisle Cleaning and Support Services is proud to have been a lead participant in the Defra funded CSSA BS 8555/Acorn project, to develop and achieve Environmental Best Practice and recognition for the Cleaning industry”.
The six Phases of BS 8555/Acorn are as follows:
The second year of the funded project involved the following twelve companies:
- Carlisle Cleaning and Support Services (Transport Sector).
- Churchill Contract Services.
- Exclusive Contract Services.
- Floor Cleaning Machines.
- Head Office Cleaning Services.
- In Depth Managed Services.
- LCC Support Services.
- Principle Cleaning Services.
- Sasse UK Ltd.
- Sherwood Cleaning Group.
- TC Contractors.
- Trendleway Cleaners.
This second year project helped the participants to address environmental issues using the newly developed CSSA BS 8555/Acorn Environmental Management Support Package. Again, certification outputs were strong and feedback very positive.
The funding for this groundbreaking project has now ceased, but the model was only intended to require funding in the early developmental stages. The support package is now commercially available for cleaning companies, so anyone interested in environmental management should respond now to secure a place on the new programme.
EMS implementation costs are much lower through this project than would apply on an individual company basis. This is because of the economies of scale from groups of companies working in parallel, and because consultancy support needs are reduced due to the work already invested to develop the sector-specific materials.
The following potential benefits apply for cleaning companies joining the programme:
- Increased tender wins and opportunities through enhanced environmental credentials (evidenced by certificates for BS 8555/Acorn and/or ISO 14001) – also reduction in management time spent during tendering.
- Cost savings through resource efficiency and waste management.
- Enhanced reputation which addresses stakeholder concerns (particularly clients).
- Reduced risk from focus on legal compliance and pollution prevention/mitigation.
For further information about the new programme, please contact:
Paul Burr, Associate, WYG Environment Planning Transport Ltd
paul.burr@wyg.com 07771 807873
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