AS World Environment Day approaches, the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) has revealed that it has adopted a comprehensive suite of local and international environmental standards, which aim to guide its efforts in preserving Guyana’s pristine ecosystems.

The Bureau understands said that protecting its environment is not only a responsibility, but a necessity for sustainable development.
On Friday last, the GNBS stated that at the national level, it has developed useful standards for implementation, which directly or indirectly impact environment-related activities.
These standards relate to environmental sampling and testing, greenhouse gas emission, effluent and noise emissions, and the labelling of refrigerants.

Environmental testing labs and regulators benefit from several of these standards. One such standard is the ISO 14001 Environment Management Systems Standard, which is internationally recognised, provides a framework that organisations can use to improve their environmental performance.

By adopting the ISO 14001, businesses in Guyana can systematically reduce their environmental footprint, comply with legal and regulatory requirements, as well as achieve continual improvements in their environmental impact.

Implementing the requirements of the international standard is an important step towards preservation since it covers all environmental challenges related to water, air, soil, waste, biodiversity, ecosystem services and climate challenges.

In recognising the unique environmental challenges faced by Guyanese, the Bureau also developed a number of other national standards which are tailored to the needs of diverse local ecosystems. These standards address critical areas including waste management, water quality, and air pollution control, ensuing that its natural resources are used sustainably and responsibly.

One such standard is the GNBS Waste Management Standard which aims to provide guidelines for the proper handling, treatment and disposal of waste materials.
This standard, the entity said, is crucial in reducing the various effects of waste on our environment, promoting recycling and encouraging the adoption of cleaner technologies.

The GNBS’ commitment to environmental stewardship extends beyond standard development and training. It is hoped that together with all stakeholders, they will continue to strive to create a culture of sustainability that permeates all levels of society.

World Environment Day will be observed on June 5, 2024 under the theme: “Our Land. Our Future. We are #GenerationRestoration”. This theme resonates deeply with the GNBS’ mission to implement and uphold stringent environmental standards that safeguard our national heritage for future generations.

To view standards implemented by the GNBS, persons can visit, the Bureau’s standards portal on their website: www.gnbsguy.com.