Environmental management for the masses
August 1st 2004 Its not only the big boys of industry that can benefit from environmental management systems. Two systems geared specifically for small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) can help manufacturing and processing companies reduce their environmental impact at the same time as improving profits and teamwork.
Environmental improvements include minimising waste, conserving water and saving energy. Improvements in profits are reported to range from 1% - 6% and a new sense of teamwork and motivation is engendered as staff work together on a programme that achieves real results.
Both programmes focus on the efficient use of resources. Environment-oriented Cost Management (EoCM) is geared towards medium sized companies while smaller companies can benefit from Resource Ingenuity for Small Enterprises (RISE).
Resource management consultancy LAR Network Associates has extensive international experience in both programmes, although has only recently established its UK operation. Founder, Lotte Reimer, often works with the German government agency GTZ and consultants Denkmodell. However, Denmark-born Lotte is planning to work more exclusively in the UK in the future. Following a move to Aberystwyth in 2003, Lottes undoubted expertise was recognised by the Welsh Development Agencys Environmental Goods and Services (EGS) support programme which has assisted her in establishing the companys UK base.
Lotte explains that the key measure within EoCM and RISE is analysing non-product output (NPO): Anything that goes into the production process but does not end up in the final product contributes to NPO; for example, waste raw material, reject goods and energy consumption.
A typical NPO for a manufacturing company is 10 - 30% and the programmes produce a typical saving of 1 - 5% off production costs straight on the bottom line. Addressing the NPO also means companies are tackling their causes of pollution, waste energy and resources.
EoCM programmes build upon the expertise within a company, helping them to adopt new ways of thinking that suit their individual business. With a proven track record internationally, EoCM addresses head-on one of the key barriers to implementation the world over employees' resistance to change.
A key part of LARs work with companies surrounds communication, motivation and staff involvement. Normally, they work with a project team appointed by client companies to lead on EoCM. Team members are trained in ways of involving colleagues in the new programme.
The change in attitudes is one of the most exciting aspects of our work, comments Lotte.
RISE builds on exactly the same principles as EoCM but in a more simplified way for companies with fewer employees. Dubbed a common sense management system, it aims to initiate a sustainable process of technical innovation, resource saving and environmental protection. It is practical, not hypothetical, dealing with real-life situations for the participating businesses.
Case study China
Acknowledging the environmental impact of its manufacturing base, China introduced a Cleaner Production Promotion Law in 2003. Its Economic and Trade Commission and Environmental Protection Bureau commissioned GTZ and LAR Network Associates to implement a pilot EoCM project with eight industrial companies two electroplaters, three textile manufacturers, two pharmaceutical companies and one chemical company. The pilots began in May 2004 and are due for completion in November this year, when a Cleaner Production Audit will assess their impact. | 
