Steps to Environmental Management Scheme (STEM)

STEM is a step-by-step guide to putting an environmental management system in place within your business. It is a free and self-certifying scheme. We have tried to limit the amount of paperwork required by making all the documents available electronically.

We hold STEM workshops where we can run through the assessment form with you, keep checking our Events diary for details.

Benefits to your business

• Enhances green credentials
• Reduces costs by removing inefficiencies
• Assists you in maintaining a legal business
• Prepares you for attaining the Carbon Trust Standard, BS 8555 or ISO 14001.

Eligibility

This scheme is free to businesses that are members of the Low Carbon Kent business network. If you haven't joined yet, full details are on the Low Carbon Kent page.

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 environment 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 communications required for their environmental programme.

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

Timelines

We estimate that businesses can reach Gold level in about 12 months. Some businesses may be able to achieve this faster if they have already started improving their environmental performance. We estimate that each level will take about 4 months.

Renewing your certificate

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

Audits

In order to maintain the standard of the scheme, some businesses will be audited by an advisor. You will be given 2 weeks' notice of this audit and a list of the documents you need to present as evidence. We will provide the necessary guidance and assistance for this audit.

Following on from STEM

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 and Tarian Inspection Services' Seren Scheme can also help you achieve BS 8555 and ISO 14001. For more information visit the IEMA website or the Seren website.

For more information about the Carbon Trust Standard and certification for SMEs, please visit the Carbon Trust website.

How to apply for STEM

If you are already a member of the Low Carbon Kent network, book onto a STEM workshop or contact us to request the assessment forms to complete in your own time. We can offer you some support in completing them.

If you are not yet a member, join by contacting us:

• Email: lowcarbon@kent.gov.uk
• Telephone: 0300 333 5011 
• Post: Low Carbon Kent, 2nd Floor Invicta House, County Hall, Maidstone, ME14 1XX
  

List of STEM accredited businesses.