drpgroup has become the first communication and events agency in
the world to achieve accredited certification against the combined
ISO14001 (International Standard in Environmental Management) and
BS8901 (the recently launched British Standard for a Sustainable
Event Management System).
Hartlebury-based drpgroup worked closely with environmental
events experts EcoEvents, who specialise in sustainable management
solutions designed specifically for the events industry. EcoEvents
provided the consultancy and training to enable drpgroup to gain
certification after just six months of reviewing, developing and
installing their environmental policies and procedures.
Achieving these certifications will ensure measurable bottom
line benefits for the group. Many clients, especially in the public
and charitable sectors, are demanding hard evidence to back up
environmental claims made by potential suppliers and so the receipt
of these certifications will no doubt lead to increased tender
opportunities with new clients, and stronger relationships with
current clients who, in turn, will be able to communicate with
confidence that the environmental impact of their events are being
reduced.
These certifications demonstrate to clients and industry peers
alike that sustainability is not just a convenient publicity
exercise, but rather sound business practice which delivers
tangible returns to your business.
Sam Wilson, director of EcoEvents commented: "The quality of
environmental management within a company is seen as one of biggest
indicators of the quality of the management in general. Managing
environmental and social impact is an essential component of
effective event management. This is good business practice first
and foremost - if a business is not sustainable it has a limited
life."
drpgroup's success in achieving these certifications sends out a
message that positive change in the events, meetings and
conferences industry is achievable with sufficient dedication. Dale
Parmenter, drpgroup managing director commented on this
achievement: "Without a doubt, sustainability is one of the most
important challenges our industry faces.
"As the recession comes to an end and businesses begin to focus
on the bigger picture again, sustainability will not only start to
become as important as Health and Safety is, but it will get to the
stage where businesses will need to account for their environmental
impacts in much the same way as they are required to meet their
fiscal responsibilities. Above all, we as an industry have a moral
obligation to reduce any damaging effects to the environment our
operations may cause. This certification is great news for the
future of the drpgroup".