Much as we have documented procedures for financial control or stock control to ensure we do not waste money, an EMS is a documented system to ensure we control our impact on the environment and improve our environmental performance. The international standard for an EMS is ISO 14001.

Guide to Environmental Management System (EMS)
John Bell & Croyden’s vision is to become a world class pharmacy and part of this strategy is to develop our brand image. We take our corporate social responsibilities very seriously. Key is our impact as a business on the environment, and we therefore took the decision to seek accreditation with The British Standards Institution, internationally recognized as the “gold standard” for quality assurance.

What is an EMS?
A tool to enable us to identify where our activities have an impact on the environment, to control and reduce those impacts, and improve our environmental performance.

The EMS we have implemented have been designed specifically for JB&C and cover all activities and products.

It meets the requirements of the international standard for environmental management systems, ISO 14001 (30,000 prestigious companies worldwide 2,500 in UK registered).

Following a final audit by BSI on 10 April 2003 we became the first retail pharmacy with this award. We have since been audited on a regular basis and have retained accreditation. In 2005 BSI upgraded the requirements for achieving and retaining accreditation. Our last audit was July 2008 and we were delighted to yet again retain our accreditation.

What are the benefits?
The benefits of operating an EMS include
Improved protection of the environment.
Compliance with environmental and other legislation such as health and safety at work and the New Pharmacy Contract .
Cost savings through reduced consumption and waste.
Enhanced brand image.
Improved relationships with our customers, suppliers and others with an interest in our business.
Informed decisions and choices about products and supply partners.