We have been awarded certification to the prestigious international standard for Environmental Management Systems. We join just four other UK zoological institutions to achieve this certification.

ISO 14001 is the world’s most recognised environmental management system. As a stringent set of measures governing environmental management, we were able to satisfy independent inspectors that it minimises the harmful environmental effects of its activities and is committed to continually improve its environmental performance.

We started to plan for accreditation over a year ago, led by Duncan East, Marwell’s Sustainability Manager. “As a conservation charity it is important that we continually look to improve our environmental performance. By serving as a framework, ISO 14001 enables us to better manage a wide range of environmental impacts, from waste management through to energy and water use. We now have processes in place for effective management, prevention of pollution,improving environmental performance and legal compliance.”

The ISO 14001 certification audit was carried out by SGS UK, part of the SGS Group, and is recognised as the global benchmark in quality and integrity. On assessing and awarding ISO 14001, SGS commented on the commitment and support from all colleagues throughout the different areas of the charity, with particular mention of ‘excellent understanding of relevant environmental issues’ by the animal teams working at the zoological park.

The ISO 14001 forms a part of our wider drive to become a sustainable organisation and helps us to identify our environmental impacts and take action to improve our performance.

9 December 2009