Wilson salutes companies who rise to environmental challenge

Environment Minister Sammy Wilson today paid tribute to businesses who have raised the bar in improving their environmental performance and competitiveness.

The minister was commenting at an event marking the publication by the ARENA Network of the results of its 10th annual Environmental Management Survey.

Mr Wilson commended ARENA for making this year’s survey more challenging.

He also noted at the launch event at the Belfast Harbour Commissioners that more companies were participating.

The minister said: “Over 10 years of the survey the number of organisations taking part has increased significantly from 75 participants in 1998 to 128 in 2008 and during this period businesses have demonstrated an overall improvement in their environmental performance with fewer poor performers.

“The participants have demonstrated that sound environmental management represents good business practice, making cost savings which is particularly pertinent given the current economic landscape.

“The survey still represents the only tool in Northern Ireland which enables organisations to benchmark their progress in managing their environmental performance and through ARENA there is also an opportunity for them to share best practice.”

A total of 128 organisations took part in this year’s survey across 13 different sectors.

In this year’s survey:

• Seven organisations achieved platinum status (scoring over 90%) and 23% of participants achieved a ‘Quintile 1’ position (scoring over 80%);
• Over half (57%) of participants maintained or improved their quintile position, despite a more challenging survey;
• The mean score achieved by participants was 63% a drop from 70% in 2007. This reflects the more challenging nature of the survey including the evaluation of impacts in relation to transport;· 98% of participants have a documented policy;
• The Northern Ireland Environment Agency scored 80% giving a Quintile 1 position.

Notes to Editors:

1. ARENA Network was established in 1995 under the auspices of Business in the Community to coordinate all business environmental initiatives in Northern Ireland and to provide an environmental support service for local business. ARENA Network works at both strategic and local levels to advise business and key decision makers across Northern Ireland of the imperative towards sustainable development.
2. ARENA has conducted its Environmental Management Survey every year since 1998. It is widely recognised as the principal measure of environmental engagement in Northern Ireland and examines the province’s leading companies, District Councils, Health Trusts and the education sector. Participants are invited to complete a self assessment questionnaire, the first section relating to environmental management, the second focusing on how participants measure and report their performance.
3. The Northern Ireland Environment Agency has co-sponsored the survey since 2004 and has participated in the survey since 2006. The Agency has maintained its position in the top Quintile (80% mark).
4. For media enquiries please contact DOE Press Office on 028 9054 0014 or out of office hours contact the EIS Duty Press Officer on pager 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.