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Based on its wide experience and expertise regarding business and
biodiversity issues, ECNC has now launched the European Biodiversity
Standard (EBS), an independent tool for companies to assess, upgrade
and profile their biodiversity performance.
Biodiversity and ecosystem services are vital elements for a growing number of companies. Worldwide and in Europe, the integration of biodiversity
considerations in business operations is receiving more and more attention, as
shown by the Biodiversity Convention, the EU Biodiversity Strategy to 2020, and
the Pan-European Biodiversity Strategy towards 2020. However, companies often
struggle with the question of how to address biodiversity in a practical way in their business operation. Although many companies operate environmental management systems, these systems often neglect or even omit biodiversity issues, despite their importance.
The European Biodiversity Standard provides practical tools for companies to address biodiversity and to measure, improve and
demonstrate publicly the company’s ecological performance. Its motto is: ‘Make Biodiversity Your Business’.
Acquiring the EBS is a simple two-stage process in which a company first undertakes a self-assessment of its performance in relation to biodiversity. If the company then feels that it meets the standard, it can apply for the external assessment to receive full certification. Once awarded the EBS, the company can profile this in internal and external communications.
Acquiring the EBS is a simple two-stage process in which a company first undertakes a self-assessment of its performance in relation to biodiversity. If the company then feels that it meets the standard, it can apply for the external assessment to receive full certification. Once awarded the EBS, the company can profile this in internal and external communications.The EBS was developed and is managed by ECNC through a partnership with Middlemarch Environmental Ltd. Middlemarch has a long-standing record in biodiversity benchmarking, in particular in the United Kingdom.
Please visit the website for more information: http://www.europeanbiodiversitystandard.eu/ and/or contact ECNC via telephone +31
(0)13 5944 944 or e-mail ecnc@ecnc.org. For information on ECNC, please visit http://www.ecnc.org/.
The Rt Hon Caroline Spelman MP, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, visited Middlemarch Environmental Ltd to officially open our new offices on Friday 13 May 2011.
We have experienced substantial growth over the last few years to become one of the largest ecological consultancies in the UK, with turnover in 2010 in excess of £3m. This success has lead to the need for us to expand our offices.
During her visit Caroline met Managing Director Dr Phil Fermor as well as other Board members, staff, and representatives from company owners Warwickshire Wildlife Trust.
Dr Fermor said: “We are honoured that Caroline has taken the time to visit our newly expanded offices, and see for herself the work that we are doing to provide creative ecological solutions to businesses throughout the UK. Our company’s growth shows the importance of the environmental sector of the economy, creating employment alongside protecting our natural heritage.”
Middlemarch Environmental scooped a prestigious international award for one of the world’s leading health and safety training, advisory and audit bodies at a ceremony in summer 2010.
Following rigorous assessment by an independent adjudication panel the British Safety Council has awarded its esteemed International Safety Award to Middlemarch Environmental.
For an organisation to win this coveted award it must demonstrate that it has in place comprehensive health and safety policies, targeted plans and a clear commitment to health and safety from the shop floor to the boardroom. It must be committed to the promotion of a positive safety culture. The winning organisation must also have demonstrated the competence of those responsible for the management of health and safety and provide clear evidence of the improvements they have achieved in health and safety during the year.
Dr Philip Fermor, Managing Director of Middlemarch Environmental says: "Middlemarch Environmental is delighted to be awarded this prestigious award which the entire team have worked hard to achieve. We look forward to maintaining our high standard of safety in the future."
Mr Brian Nimick, Chief Executive of the British Safety Council says: “For more than 50 years, BSC has led the way in promoting health, safety and environmental best practice in society. In the 21st century, many organisations worldwide are understandably making health, safety and environmental management their top priority. Through achieving an International Safety Award, Middlemarch Environmental is helping to make our vision of a healthy and safe working environment a reality “
Aston Business School in collaboration with Middlemarch Environmental
Applications are invited for a 3 year PhD Studentship, supported by the Economic and Social Research Council (ERSC), to be undertaken within the Economic and Strategy Group at Aston University.
The project will develop a methodology for identifying and evaluating the financial impact of biodiversity loss and the change in ecosystems using a variety of metrics. For example, if a quarry is converted into a wetland the full economic feasibility can be evaluated both in terms of costs and full societal and environmental benefits in terms of tourism, recreation, carbon absorption, biodiversity enrichment, wildlife corridors, habitat development etc.
For more information about the PhD Studentship please click here
To apply please visit http://www1.aston.ac.uk/aston-business-school/programmes/research/phd-mphil-in-management/.
Applications closing date: 18th February 2011. Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed in early March 2011.
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BREEAM Assessments |
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Phase 1 & Arboricultural Surveys |
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Protected Species |
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Mitigation Plans & Habitat Creation |
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EIA & Masterplanning |
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Business & Biodiversity |
