Environmental Management Standard

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The QG Environmental Management Standard has been written using the principles of ISO 14001 which helps SMEs understand their environmental management system and then gives them an opportunity to implement a fit for purpose foundation system into their company. The standards are recognised as an externally accredited environmental management system and can be used to gain business through PQQs and tenders.

The QG system has two levels of assurance; “Environmental Management Standard” and “Environmental Management Standard PLUS”.  You define which level of assurance you require by utilising the risk matrix below, then give QG a call on 01228 631681 and we’ll talk you through the process.

Assurance Levels

Environmental Management Standard

To qualify for  your Environmental Management Standard Certificate you are required to provide evidence that you meet the Environmental Management Standard Requirements. We have made this easy for you by providing a Environmental Management Standard Questionnaire that asks you the relevant questions, you’ll need to attach some items such as screen grabs or policy notes to evidence compliance. On completing the questionnaire to our satisfaction you will be awarded your Environmental Management Standard Certificate. The successful completion of the QG Environmental Management template* meets this requirement.

Environmental Management Standard PLUS

You may be required to provide further assurance to your customers that you meet the requirements of the Environmental Management Standard programme. This is called Environmental Management Standard PLUS and involves involves a detailed audit of your management systems as well as the completion of your Environmental Management Standard Questionnaire.

QG-Environmental Management Standard Questionnaire

Risk Matrix

Very Low Risk Level
Low Risk Level
Moderate & High
Very Low Risk Level

Very Low Risk Level

Criteria: For contracts where a EMS has no or little affect on the delivery of the product or service. The sort of contracts this will apply to are likely to be those covering commodity purchases or standard service provisions e.e. office supplies, the disposal of non-sensitive waste, cleaning services, accountancy, legal services, taxi and bus hire, hire cars etc.

Management Standard: Environmental Fundamentals

Low Risk Level

Low Risk Level

Criteria: For contracts where the EMS has some affect on the delivery of products and services. The profile is likely to apply primarily to contracts handling information classified as OFFICIAL and could relate to consultancy, catering, packaging, training, supply of PPE etc.

Management Standard: Environmental Fundamentals PLUS

Moderate & High

Moderate & High

Criteria: For contracts subject to more advanced environmental scrutiny. This will Likely apply to contracts that involve the manufacturing of goods, disposal of sensitive information, transport of sensitive goods etc.

Management Standard: ISO 14001

QG-Environmental Management Standard

QG Accredited Practitioner Support

If you require support implementing your Environmental Management System there are QG Accredited Practitioners who have been trained by ourselves in the implementation of the QG Environmental Management Standard.  They each use the QG Management template to build and document your environmental management system and will provide a system fully compliant with the QG Environmental Management Standard.

It would not be right for Practitioners to do this alone, whilst they’ll give you guidance to produce the documentation you are required to implement the system into your own organisation. When systems are combined such as Quality and Environment only one document will be produced to combine the systems.

QG Accredited Practitioners are independent to QG Business Solutions the operator of the scheme. Practitioner support can be a combination of onsite and offsite support.

QG Management Template

The QG Environmental Management Template is a copyrighted document used by QG Accredited Practitioners to implement systems to the QG Environmental Standard. Use of the template and practitioners can often be more cost effective than doing it yourself as systems are generally compliant first time.

Environmental Standards FAQS

What is the QG Environmental Management Standard?
How does this help when ‘working towards ISO 14001?
Why does this work for SME’s?
Why implement an Environmental Management System?
What happens when I grow?
How long will it take to achieve the QG standard?
How do I know what to put in my Environmental Policy?
What is the QG Environmental Management Standard?

QG Business Solutions Ltd offer organisations large and small, the opportunity to obtain external recognition of their environmental Management Systems prior to them gaining an ISO 14001 accreditation. The standard is recognised as an ‘ externally accredited environmental Management System, as a great number of organisations ask for in their PQQ’s and Tender documentation. The QG–EMS sits somewhere between no formal environmental system and ISO 14001 and is there to ensure that a practical system is in place, fit for purpose, and not over engineered if you are a low risk, low impact business. It also creates a stepping stone if you so wish to progress to a full UKAS ISO 14001 accreditation, where our consultants are there ready to help you on your way.

How does this help when ‘working towards ISO 14001?

The QG Standard has been written using the principles of ISO 14001 and gives formal recognition to businesses who have implemented an environmental Management System but have not yet obtained enough evidence to meet the full ISO 14001 Environmental Management Standard. Some businesses currently use a consultants’ letter as evidence of ‘working towards ISO 14000’, this standard gives external recognition to this process.

Why does this work for SME’s?

The QG standards were first developed in 1994 by Cumbria Enterprise Agency to assist SME’s achieve BS5750, 80% of BS5750 for 20% of the cost. In recent years that same policy of assisting SMEs has grown to include the ISO 14000 so that large businesses can attract local SME’s break into their supply chain and thus meeting local political and economic targets. This standard works for SME’s because it is specifically designed for SME’s at the same time as meeting larger businesses need for the conformance with an ‘externally accredited Environmental Management Standard’.

Why implement an Environmental Management System?

Large organisations in the public and private sector ask in their tender documents ‘have you an externally accredited environmental management system’ Organisations expect these to follow the principles of ISO 14001 therefore we have designed a standard that sits somewhere between nothing and ISO 14001 depending on your circumstances and risk profile.

What happens when I grow?

Some businesses keep to the QG Environmental Management Standard and never go for accreditation to the ISO 14001 standard. However, if you decide you need to progress and achieve the ISO 14001 standard we are with you all the way. Our associates are qualified to assist you in achieving the appropriate standard.

How long will it take to achieve the QG standard?

This depends on what you already have in place. Unique to the QG standards is that we look at how you operate the business and document it. Providing what you do meets all ten areas of the QG Environmental Management Standard then you meet the standard. If you don’t then we will tell you what’s required, you implement it for a period of time and then achieve the standard.

How do I know what to put in my Environmental Policy?

At the present time many contractors are just looking for you to provide an environmental policy, how long this will last is anybody’s guess. What QG is able to offer is for an external environmental specialist to work with you not only to develop a fit for purpose Environmental Policy but to encapsulate it into an accredited Quality Management System which conforms to the QG Environmental Management Standard. You could of course google ‘Environmental Management Policy’ and copy another companies, but will this actually work for you if something goes wrong?

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