Elsoms Seeds Ltd – Environmental Management System Development

Elsoms Seeds Ltd is the UK’s leading independent seed specialist and plant breeder. They breed, supply and treat vegetable and agricultural seeds and conduct research and development in their onsite laboratory to improve seed and crop quality.

Elsoms is known for its expertise in plant breeding, seed production and the supply of high-quality seeds for various crops, including vegetables, cereals and oilseeds.  

Elsoms Seeds Ltd were looking to develop and implement an environmental management system. Although they were not yet ready to apply for certification, they were ready to begin the process of developing an EMS which, with the support of WRM, would align to the requirements of the ISO14001 standard.

WRM worked with the company’s Health, Safety & Environment Manager throughout the project.

The first stage of the process involved working through the requirements of the ISO 14001 standard, with the second consisting of gathering information on the company structure and operational processes.

This enabled WRM to determine what type of legal requirements Elsoms must adhere to ascertain stakeholder needs, the potential risks and opportunities they face.

This business analysis enabled our team to identify a series of environmental targets Elsoms could work towards. WRM were then able to create drafts of relevant documentation, conducting further research using the company website.

Once all the deliverables were completed and reviewed to the Health, Safety & Environment Manager’s satisfaction, WRM were able to issue a complete set of EMS documents tailored to the business, providing a clear framework for ongoing development of the EMS, placing Elsoms in a good position to work towards achieving ISO 14001 accreditation in the future.

Elsoms Seeds decided to develop and implement an Environmental Management System (EMS) for several compelling reasons:

Compliance with Environmental Regulations: As a leading seed specialist and plant breeder, Elsoms Seeds recognised the importance of adhering to environmental laws and regulations. Implementing an EMS helps ensure they meet all legal requirements, reducing the risk of non-compliance penalties[1].

Sustainability and Environmental Stewardship: Elsoms Seeds is committed to sustainability and minimising their environmental footprint. An EMS provides a structured approach to managing and reducing environmental impacts, aligning with their values of environmental stewardship[2].

Improved Operational Efficiency: By identifying and managing environmental aspects and impacts, Elsoms Seeds can improve resource efficiency, reduce waste, and lower operational costs. This not only benefits the environment but also enhances the company’s overall efficiency and profitability[2].

Robust Reputation and Competitive Advantage: Demonstrating a commitment to environmental management can benefit Elsoms Seeds’ reputation among customers, partners, and stakeholders. It can also provide a competitive edge in the market, as more businesses and consumers prioritise sustainability[3].

Preparation for Future Certification: Although not immediately seeking certification, Elsoms Seeds aimed to align their EMS with the ISO 14001 standard. This positions them well for future certification, showcasing their dedication to continuous improvement and high environmental standards[1].

An Environmental Management System (EMS) is a structured framework that helps organisations manage their environmental responsibilities in a systematic and consistent manner. The primary goal of an EMS is to improve environmental performance and ensure compliance with relevant regulations. Key components of an EMS include:

• Environmental Policy
• Planning
• Implementation and Operation
• Checking and Corrective Action
• Management Review
• Continual Improvement

Environmental Policy

This is a statement that outlines the organisation’s commitment to environmental management and sets the overall direction for its environmental efforts.

Planning

This involves identifying environmental aspects and impacts, setting objectives and targets, and developing action plans to achieve these goals. It also includes understanding legal and other requirements that the organisation must comply with.

Implementation and Operation

This stage involves putting the plans into action. It includes defining roles and responsibilities, providing training and awareness, establishing communication channels, and documenting procedures.

Checking and Corrective Action

Regular monitoring and measurement of key environmental indicators are essential to track performance. This stage also involves conducting internal audits and taking corrective actions to address any non-conformities.

Management Review

Top management reviews the EMS periodically to ensure its continuing suitability, adequacy, and effectiveness. This review helps in making informed decisions for continual improvement.

Continual Improvement

The EMS follows the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle, which promotes ongoing improvement in environmental performance by regularly reviewing and updating the system.

By implementing an EMS, organisations like Elsoms Seeds can systematically manage their environmental impacts, enhance compliance with regulations, improve operational efficiency, and demonstrate their commitment to sustainability. This structured approach not only benefits the environment but also supports the organisation’s long-term success and reputation.

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