The ninth Environmental Management Survey published by ARENA Network, in conjunction with Acona Consultants, was launched in Belfast City Hall where the Minister praised the ARENA Network in bringing environmental matters to the forefront of business, government and education here.
She said: “Business participation has remained high with 146 organisations taking part and welcoming the improvements seen in the average score of participants now at 70% compared to 67% in 2006.
“Businesses know that it makes sense to improve their efficiency because this provides ‘future proofing’ against rising material, waste management and energy purchase costs. This plainly brings protection to the corporate balance sheet. But that is only part of the story. Efficient companies are helping protect a fundamental asset of the Northern Ireland economy, namely the environment.”
Notes to Editors:
1. The results of the survey, in summary:
- Participation has remained at a high level, with 146 organisations taking part.
- The average score achieved by participants has increased again this year and now stands at 70% (it was 67% in 2006).
- The number of organisations achieving a first quintile position has increase substantially from 34% to 40%, demonstrating the continued improvement of those taking part in the Survey.
- The gap between the best and worse performing sectors has continued to close. This is now only 26% compared to 38% in 2006.
- 97% of organisations collect data relating to their energy use, with 84% able to demonstrate improvement in their performance over the past year, indicating their commitment to reducing their impact on Climate Change.
2. 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. It operates at both strategic and local levels to advise business and key decision makers across Northern Ireland of the imperative towards sustainable development.
3. Its annual Environmental Management Survey began in 1998 and is widely recognised as the principal measure of environmental engagement in Northern Ireland, examining the leading 200 companies, 26 local authorities, 19 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. Contact Eamonn Keaveney on 02890460606.
4. Acona is an international consulting group (with offices in London, Aberdeen and Norway) focused on understanding risk and improving performance in three business areas, Business Risk Management, Safety and Environment and Sustainable Business. Contact Glynn Roberts on 02070310403.
5. Further News Media contact DOE Press Office tel. 02890540003.
