Toitū and You – Building a Sustainable Business

MTA has secured a special rate with sustainability experts Toitῡ Envirocare for members. If you’re interested in finding out more, contact Simon Bradwell.

Customers are increasingly choosing business that embrace this challenge and operate in a responsible, progressive way.

That’s an essential tool in your marketing.

Because being an environmentally-conscious business could be the difference between a customer choosing you and not your competitor.

We know many members are fully on-board with this concept and have risen to the challenge. But for others, knowing how to start can be a challenge in itself.

Now MTA has partnered with Toitῡ Envirocare to support members on this important pathway.

Toitū Envirocare, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research, has been championing environmental excellence since 2001.

Their Enviromark certification programme is designed to help organisations adopt and enhance robust environmental management systems (EMS), leveraging international best practices and leading climate science. They’re here to guide businesses through every stage, from initial mentorship to bespoke solutions, independent audits and certification.

Whether you are just getting started or have an existing system, Toitῡ Envirocare solutions are designed to elevate your performance, mitigate risks, ensure compliance and enhance efficiency across your operations.

What is an EMS?

An environmental management system (EMS) is a strategic approach to managing a business’s environmental impacts. Initial steps are to identify significant environmental impacts from current activities and then develop plans to minimise or mitigate them. This system is then implemented across all operations and audited annually. With Toitū’s support, your EMS will be certified in accordance with international standards.

Why choose Toitū Envirocare?

The Toitū Enviromark Programme enables certified members to develop effective processes and systems to manage their environmental impact responsibly, sustainably and can make credible claims about their actions. By focussing on environmental stewardship, businesses not only reduce risks and manage costs but also enhance their brand value.

The Enviromark Programme supports businesses in systematically developing and refining credible environmental management. As a third-party certifier, Toitū ensures environmental claims are accurate and consistent.

Toitū Enviromark Certification Programme levels

You can join our Enviromark Programme at one of three certification levels: Toitū Enviromark Bronze: Understand the scope of the EMS and begin managing environmental impacts. Meet health and safety and environmental legislation for all areas included in the EMS.

• Toitū Enviromark Gold: Actively manage and reduce environmental impacts through formal policy and impact measurement. Set objectives and targets to drive improvement and avoid risks. Identifies and evaluates potential issues from activities, products and services
• Toitū Enviromark Diamond: Showcase a sophisticated strategy that exceeds ISO 14001 requirements. The EMS is robust and is committed to by top management. Formalised roles and responsibilities for team members impacted by the EMS.

Toitū provides a checklist detailing the specific requirements of the level of certification sought. Once an organisation has prepared the required materials and plans for that level of certification, an independent audit will ensure programme compliance and permit certification to be issued. Upon being certified, clients will be given Toitū Enviromark Certification logos to use in promoting their achievement.

This is an annual cycle and each year the programme will help keep you on a journey of continual improvement.

How is the Toitū Enviromark Programme world-leading?

• Proven Expertise: With over two decades of experience, we’ve helped hundreds of New Zealand businesses achieve their environmental goals
• Comprehensive Support: All members receive expert guidance and support to ensure legislative compliance
• International Standards: Our Diamond certification meets and exceeds global standards, guiding you towards best practice.
  

Benefits for your business

Toitῡ’s world leading certification programme is business tested and supported by scientific research and international best practice. For every member they provide mentored support, a comprehensive tool kit, expert advisors and hands-on workshops, creating a range of benefits for your business including:

• Satisfy stakeholder and supply chain expectations
• Meet tender requirements
• Uncover business efficiencies and cost savings
• Manage risks proactively
• Achieve compliance with environmental and H&S regulations
• Enhance business value with robust systems
• Boost staff engagement and build internal capabilities
• Gain a competitive advantage and demonstrate corporate citizenship.

 By joining Toitū Envirocare your business can create meaningful impact and advance your environmental management goals with confidence and clarity. Let’s work together to achieve excellence and protect our natural environment.