Assembly Earns Platinum Status in Environmental Performance

The Northern Ireland Assembly has received an award from Business in the Community’s ARENA Network for its excellence in environmental management, performance and assurance.  This puts the Assembly with just 12 other ‘platinum’ organisations in Northern Ireland that have demonstrated commitments to environmental policy, strategy and implementation. 

The award follows completion of ARENA’s Environmental Survey (The Survey). The Survey is supported by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency and annually assesses top businesses in Northern Ireland on measures taken to reduce environmental impacts and improve efficiency, amongst other factors. 

William Hay, MLA, Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly welcomed the award and said:  “I am delighted that the Assembly has been recognised for its excellence in environmental policy and strategy and I commend the staff involved for this achievement. 

“Even more impressive is the fact that that Assembly only entered The Survey two years ago as an organisation that had then only developed an environmental policy and strategy.  This fast rise to ‘platinum’ status demonstrates the drive, leadership and sheer determination of those involved.   

“The Assembly Commission is dedicated to becoming an exemplary institution in terms of sustainable development and environmental impact. We developed a Sustainable Development Strategy in April 2010 and an Environmental Policy Statement in July 2012.  These documents include annual action plans to enhance existing responsible business practice and outlines the Commission’s commitment to continual improvement to reduce and prevent pollution where we can.  With this award, it is very apparent that the Assembly has proven that it takes its green credentials seriously.”

ENDS

William Hay MLA, Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly and Christine Watts, Environmental Services Manager