Pictured: Mike, Kieran, Ian

Northern Ireland’s leading environmental benchmarking process is now open for entries

The 2016 Northern Ireland Environmental Benchmarking Survey is now open for entries. Businesses can apply online now at www.arenasurvey.com. The deadline for entries is Thursday 30 June 2016.

The Survey, run by Business in the Community, is proudly sponsored this year by leading food company, Moy Park and supported by Northern Ireland Environment Agency. To complete the Survey, businesses are required to provide evidence of their green credentials by analysing their environmental management and performance.

Organisations from 14 industry sectors have been invited to take part, including the top 200 companies and leading public sector organisations such as health trusts, local authorities, education and library boards and universities.

Speaking about Moy Park’s partnership with Business in the Community, Mike Mullan, Moy Park Executive Director said: “Moy Park is a values-led, responsible business. We are committed to sustainable practices which minimise our environmental impact and make a positive contribution to the way people live. As such, we are delighted to sponsor the NI Environmental Benchmarking Survey which aims to drive corporate environmental management and improvement. Corporate responsibility remains a key focus for Moy Park and we are extremely pleased to have received ‘Platinum’ status – the highest scoring level – in the Survey for the last three years.”

Kieran Harding, Managing Director of Business in the Community, said: “I would like to thank Moy Park for supporting the Environmental Benchmarking Survey through a three year partnership. Now in its 18th year, the Survey is Northern Ireland’s leading environmental benchmarking exercise. It is recognised as a key driver for corporate environmental management and improvement and is seen as a positive influencer to help organisations achieve a more sustainable way of doing business. Focusing on four key areas – energy, transport, waste and water - participants can see exactly how they are performing, but more importantly, identify areas for improvement.

“Improving environmental outcomes is a goal that is both ethical and economical; helping to reduce a business’ impact on the environment and boosting the bottom line. I would urge all organisations seeking to improve their environmental performance to take part.”

David Small, Chief Executive, Northern Ireland Environment Agency, adds: “The Northern Ireland Benchmarking Survey is established as the province’s leading tool in providing businesses with proof of their green status by analysing their environmental management, improvement and impact. By focusing on sustainable action, businesses are reaping both environmental and financial benefits. It is great that the Northern Ireland Environment Agency can once again support the Survey and I look forward to seeing the results in November.”

The Survey is open to businesses and organisations of all sizes and sectors from across Northern Ireland. The results, which are independently verified, will be revealed at an exclusive event at Belfast Harbour on Thursday 17 November.

To take part in the Survey, visit www.arenasurvey.com

For more information, email keelin.mccone@bitcni.org.uk or call (028) 9046 0606.