EcoCompass recognized as outstanding environmental management system
The EcoCompass environmental management system of the Helsinki metropolitan area has been awarded at the first corporate responsibility trade fair in Finland as the most notable solution in its field.
One of three recipients of the same recognition, EcoCompass was cited by the jury as an innovative and influential system for both applying organizations and society as a whole. According to the jury, responsibility can be promoted in various ways and by all corporations, and it will be a key motivating factor for business developers in the future.
EcoCompass is a municipality project launched in the Helsinki metropolitan area in 2008, aimed at strengthening environmental management in small and medium-sized companies in the area. Activities are on voluntary basis, and participating companies are offered guidelines and instructions on how to develop eco-efficient operations. EcoCompass has so far been joined by 32 organizations, who have developed environmental management systems based on 16 criteria and assessed by an independent auditor. If approved for EcoCompass, a company can use an EcoCompass logo in its marketing.
EcoCompass is coordinated by the City of Helsinki Environment Centre. From the beginning of 2012 it will be part of the Ilmastoinfo climate information service, which helps citizens, organizations and enterprises to make more climate-friendly choices by distributing information and providing advice. New members for EcoCompass will be accepted from autumn 2011 onwards.
EcoCompass combines benefit for the environment with direct benefit for companies. Companies can increase their competitiveness through goodwill achieved from care for the environment and through more efficient operations – that is, eco-efficiency often translates into economic gain.
The corporate responsibility trade fair was organized by Finnish Business & Society ry (FiBS), an enterprise network that promotes financially, socially and ecologically sustainable business in Finland. The other recipients of the recognition were the Nestor employment agency for retirees and Netcycler exchange service for used goods.
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