The planet

Environmental concerns, growing public pressure and regulatory measures are changing the way people do business around the world. Consumers and shareholders are increasingly demanding environmentally-friendly products and services that are delivered by socially responsible companies. It is becoming increasingly important for organisations to demonstrate that not only their philosophies but also their investment strategies and day-to-day operations are sustainable.

The ISM Code provides a standard for the safe management and operation of ships and prevention of pollution and is mandatory for all ship owners and operators

ISO 14001 is the international specification for an environmental management system (EMS) and is designed to help organizations minimize how their operations negatively affect the environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations.

Designed to make the most from energy technology, this standard helps management to reduce their energy consumption, while boosting their overall energy conservation. This includes reduced energy costs and carbon emissions, and a more secure supply of energy.

Companies and individuals are under constant pressure to reduce their carbon footprint today. From reducing carbon dioxide and pollutant gases, to air pollution and exhaust gases, Publicly Available Specification (PAS) 2060 sets out general requirements for anyone who wants to achieve and show carbon neutrality

The SA8000 standard is one of the world’s first auditable social certification standards for decent workplaces, across all industrial sectors. It is based on conventions of the ILO, UN and national laws. The SA8000 standard spans industry and corporate codes to create a common language for measuring social compliance.

The Seveso II Directive, sometimes referred to as COMAH, stipulates certain requirements for storage of relatively large quantities of substances classified as dangerous. This Directive is aimed at the prevention of major accidents which involve dangerous substances, and the limitation of their consequences for man and the environment.

Waste from Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) WEEE is one of the fastest growing waste streams in the developed world Improved regulation of the collection, recycling and disposal of WEEE has been legislated for at European level and transposed into Irish law in the WEEE Regulations. Producers, retailers and consumers all have a role to play in the management of WEEE under the legislation. The Environmental Protection Agency and local authorities have responsibility for enforcing different aspects of the WEEE Regulations.