Steps to Environmental Management (STEM) Scheme

STEM is exactly as the name suggests; a step-by-step guide to putting an environmental management system in place within your business. It is a free and self-certifying scheme.

STEM workshops
Currently running free STEM workshops. The session will take you on the first steps towards a certified Environmental Management System helping you cut costs, cut carbon and win business. With expert instructors to help you complete STEM level Blue for your business, this is an excellent opportunity – don’t miss it!

"Very informative, helpful. Presenters delivered good sound advice which was clear and factual. A useful workshop which will assist us in continued improvement of our business. Well-presented and balanced workshop. Thank you." Michael Hadlow, NLC – Nova Lift Company Ltd

The South East Business Carbon Hub and STEM are funded by the South East ERDF Competitiveness Programme 2007-13 and Kent County Council.
To book: call Laura on 01732 876617 / email l.hill@remade-southeast.co.uk / visit www.remade-southeast.co.uk/events

What’s involved in STEM
STEM has three levels: blue, silver and gold. These levels correspond to the three phases of the National Standard BS 8555.

BLUE - A business that has top management support for their environmental programme and has carried out a baseline assessment of their current situation.

SILVER - A business that has measured their carbon footprint and taken actions to reduce it. The business has identified the resources, legal requirements, training and communication required for their environmental programme.

GOLD - A business that is measuring and monitoring their environmental impacts and taking action to reduce them. The business have reported their progress on the South East Business Carbon Hub.

To qualify for each level, there are several actions that need to be carried out and these are documented in our simple assessment form, which will be provided once you have joined the scheme. The form guides you through each action detailing the information required as well as providing useful templates. A Carbon Hub Advisor is available should you need help at any stage.

Renewing your certificate
The STEM certificate is valid for 12 months. You will have to re-submit your assessment form annually to maintain accreditation.

What next?
On achieving the Gold level of STEM, your business will be well positioned to apply for an internationally recognised environmental certification such as BS 8555, ISO 14001, or the Carbon Trust Standard. The IEMA Acorn Scheme can help you achieve BS 8555 and ISO 14001; for more information please visit www.iema.net/ems/acorn_scheme/acornpart. For more information about the Carbon Trust Standard and certification for SMEs, please visit www.carbontruststandard.com/SME.

If you don’t measure it, you can’t manage it!

Eligibility
This scheme is free to businesses that are members of the South East Business Carbon Hub. To join, your organisation must meet all of the following requirements:

• Based in the South East and employ less than 250 employees.
• Have a turnover of less than £34.9 million or balance sheet less than £30 million.
• Not be owned by a large organisation by more than 25%.
• Have received less than €200,000 of state aid in the last 3 years.

Support
The Carbon Trust says:
“We welcome the STEM scheme because it will help small and growing businesses start the journey to cutting their carbon footprint.”
Harry Morrison, Director of Certification & Accreditation Services

KCC says:
“KCC recommends the STEM scheme to businesses that want to demonstrate they are working to improve their environmental performance.”
Bryan Sweetland, KCC Cabinet Member for Environment, Highways and Waste

South East Business Carbon Hub
STEM is used in conjunction with the online carbon management tool, the South East Business Carbon Hub. This is free to eligible businesses and provides a useful platform for measuring, managing and reducing carbon emissions.

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