BS 8901:2007 Specification for a Sustainable Event Management System

What is BS 8901?

A new British Standard specifically for the Events Industry was introduced on the 30th November 2007. BS 8901:2007 sets out the requirements for planning and managing sustainable events of all sizes and types. It provides a framework for a Sustainable Event Management System that will communicate credibility and confidence, thus sending a strong message to your stakeholders that you operate your business in a sustainable manner.

A Sustainable Event Management System provides a framework for managing environmental responsibilities so that they become more efficient and more integrated into overall operations. This framework allows an organisation to understand, describe and control its significant impacts on the environment, ensure compliance with environmental legislation and continually improve its business operations.

Who is it relevant to?

BS 8901 maybe adopted by event organisers, venues and organisations in the supply chain, large or small to deliver cost savings through reducing carbon emissions, waste and improving the resource efficiency of the entire event supply chain.

What are the benefits?

Benefits include:-

• Help to improve sustainable performance within available budgets
• Reduce carbon emissions and waste, improving the resource efficiency of the entire event supply chain
• Present opportunities for more efficient planning and encourage the re-use of equipment and infrastructure. The standard covers:
• educe environmental impacts such as carbon usage, waste management and effects on biodiversity
• Improve social impacts such as community involvement and fair employment
• Establish economic impacts such as local investment and long-term viability

BS 8901 certification can be used as an effective sale and marketing tool, giving your company the competitive edge. By demonstrating an innovative and forward thinking approach to environmental issues, you will not only improve morale within your company, but will also lead to a better public perception of your company.

Publicising your commitment to sustainable events will raise your companies profile and also lead to better community awareness of environmental activities. It will also demonstrate your commitment to the environment and provide confidence and credibility to your customers, trade partners, stakeholders, regulators and local authorities.

Why Blackmores?

Blackmores is a unique Management Systems consultancy that specialises in implementing management systems within the Event Management industry. We make the transition to successful accreditation painless, cost effective and timely allowing you time to focus on what you do best – running events. Blackmores will help you to successfully achieve BS 8901 certification and as a result will see significant reductions in environmental impacts, costs, energy usage and provide opportunities to become ‘preferred suppliers’, giving you the edge over your competitors. Through Sustainable Event Management System certification, commercial gain as well as environmental benefits can be realised. Blackmores also provide a unique ‘Q-Care’ service that provides you with a dedicated Environment Manager to maintain your Events Management System.

Do you already have ISO 9001 or ISO 14001

If you already have ISO 9001 and/or ISO 14001 you are half way there to attaining BS 8901. The fundamental procedures within ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 are mirrored in BS 8901; therefore Blackmores can help you to seamlessly integrate the two standards into an integrated management system.

To find out how your business could reduce its impact on the environment by implementing a Sustainable Events Management System, contact Blackmores on 01462 731242 or e-mail enquiries@bqms.co.uk

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