STANDARDS CORNER
THE Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) joins with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the rest of the world to celebrate World Environment Day (WED) which will be observed on Friday, June 05, 2009, under the theme: Climate Change: Your Planet Needs YOU!

Climate change continues to be a major focus of twenty-first century Governments because, there is still a lot to be done to reduce its effects on the environment and the world’s population. The consequences are already upon us in the form of unpredictable weather patterns, flooding, food and water shortages, and epidemics.

As the local Standards Developing Body, the GNBS has recognized the importance of avoiding the mitigating effects of climate change and has pledged its support and collaboration towards the development and implementation of National and International Standards to help Industries and Corporations reduce the adverse effects of manufacturing processes on the environment.

The implementation of the ISO 14001 Environmental Management System (EMS) standard by companies and organisations can improve the performance of their operations, reduce risk and liabilities, increase eligibility for a variety of environmental agency incentive programmes, improve public image, and operational efficiencies resulting in cost reduction opportunities and more importantly, reduce emissions into the environment.

The GNBS through its Technical Assistance programme stands ready to provide the requisite technical help to pilot agencies through the process of implementing an Environment Management System(EMS) in their operations.

Protecting the environment

The overall prospects of protecting the environment can be overwhelming, yet rewarding as stakeholders implement guidelines and practices to preserve the world’s environment for the future generation. This effort will seem useless if it is not done by all – each and every individual, group, company, organisation, town and country.

Many businesses and corporations have realized that measures to prevent environmental damage in the first place often cost much less than those of clean-up, waste disposal, site remediation, and possible litigation. By reducing the materials and energy needed to produce goods and services, businesses are achieving additional cost reductions. Companies are also realizing the true economic benefit of “greening” themselves, beyond the social and ecological reasons for conducting business in an environmentally sound way.

As we celebrate this year’s World Environment Day, let us examine the state of our environment, carefully consider the actions each of us must take, and then apply ourselves to the common task of preserving all life on earth and saving our planet. Let “Sustainable Development” be our buzz words.

For further information please contact the GNBS on telephone numbers: 219-0065, 219-0066, 219-0062.