The 13th Northern Ireland Environmental Benchmarking Survey

ARENA Network has conducted the annual Northern Ireland Environmental Benchmarking Survey since 1998. This is widely recognised as the principal measure of environmental engagement in Northern Ireland, and examines the leading 200 companies, 26 local authorities, five Health Trusts and the education sector.

Aim

The Survey aims to ensure environmental issues are on the Board agenda of the largest organisations in Northern Ireland and measures the extent to which these organisations are managing environmental issues. Moreover, the Survey is intended to persuade organisations of all sizes of the importance of environmental management.

What's involved?

Participants are invited to complete a self-assessment questionnaire, largely based on the Index of Corporate Environmental Engagement developed by Business in the Environment (ARENA’s counterpart in England). Verification visits to a sample of participants and an independent review of the Survey is undertaken by Acona Ltd.

The 2011 Survey

Belfast Harbour has been revealed as the top scoring company in the 13th Northern Ireland Environmental Benchmarking Survey.

Environment Minister Alex Attwood, who gave the keynote address commending all participants for their leadership and achievement said: “The ARENA Network Survey is strategically important for businesses and the public sector because it challenges all of us to do the right thing to protect our environment while delivering clear business benefits for participants.”  

ARENA will continue to widen the net and encourage companies outside the top 200 to participate in benchmarking, to start making improvements and realise the gains this approach brings.   Peter Dixon, Chair, ARENA Network explains: “This year, the Survey was made even more robust and results prove that businesses here are leading the way in terms of environmental improvement and performance management.   “Given the difficult economic conditions, the fact that environmental savings often translate into business savings is arguably one factor that is helping drive continued environmental and improved business performance.”  

The top results (in order of scoring) were achieved by: Belfast Harbour, Royal Mail, Dale Farm Ltd, Farrans (Construction) Ltd, Pritchitts, Seagate Technology (Ireland) Ltd, IKEA Belfast, Bombardier Aerospace, BT and John Graham (Dromore) Ltd.

 For further information on ARENA Network’s Environmental Benchmarking Survey e-mail Rosie Barnett or call (028) 9046 0606 or visit the NI Environmental Benchmarking Survey