BS 8555 STEMS

This scheme implements the guidance of British Standard BS 8555:2003 – ‘Guidance to the phased implementation of an environmental management system including the use of environmental performance indicators’. The scheme involves the assessment and recognition (by a Certificate of Achievement) of each phase of the implementation of an environmental management system (EMS) as laid down in BS 8555.

The six phases of BS 8555 STEMS (Steps to Environmental Management Systems) are:

1. Commitment and establishing the baseline
2. Identifying and ensuring compliance with legal and other requirements
3. Developing objectives, targets and programmes
4. Implementation and operation of the EMS
5. Checking, auditing and review
6. EMS acknowledgement:- An ISO 14001 certificate is issued as the final step.

Gain the benefits of an environmental management system (EMS), spread the cost and resource impact of implementation and gain recognition as you progress. 

With BS 8555 STEMS your organization is provided with:

• A clear framework and step by step approach to developing and implementing a full EMS, which is particularly useful for companies without specialist resources
• A performance-based approach to managing environmental issues with clear signposts to what decisions are expected and which criteria need to be met
• Flexibility on how you progress to a full EMS. You can be assessed one phase at a time or group a number of phases into one assessment
• Flexibility on how quickly to progress through the phases within a maximum period of two years between each phase assessment (a re-assessment will be performed after 12 months to ensure the current phase requirements continue to be met)
• Recognition and independent verification of progress and achievements relating to EMS implementation and environmental performance
• Motivation and momentum to complete the implementation process culminating in either ISO 14001 certification or EMAS verification

To understand the benefits of a full EMS, visit our ISO 14001 pages.

We are experts in training as well as assessment and have a network of public and in-house courses dedicated to teaching you the skills you need before, during and after registration to the standard.

The BSI certificate in Environmental Management Systems uses BS 8555 as the basis for the course. 

For further information about specific training on this subject, please call us on
(+44) (0)845 086 9000 or enter your details in our enquiry form.