The announcement of the results of the ARENA Network's 13th Northern Ireland Environmental Benchmarking Survey made recently at a ceremony in the Belfast Harbour Commissioners' Building saw GRAHAM successfully maintain our standing as one of nine companies in the platinum quintile for the fourth year running.

The survey is widely recognised as the principal measure of environmental engagement in Northern Ireland, and examines the leading 200 companies, 26 local authorities, 5 Health Trusts and the education sector. It aims to ensure environmental issues are on the Board agenda of the largest organisations and measures the extent to which these organisations are managing environmental issues.

Participants are invited to complete a questionnaire, based on the Index of Corporate Environmental Engagement developed by Business in the Environment (ARENA's counterpart in England). The questionnaire is divided into three main sections: the first relating to environmental management, the second focusing on how participants measure and report their performance and the third section is assurance.

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.”  

Pictured (left to right): John McMillen, Chief Executive, Northern Ireland Environment Agency, Mark Price, National Chair of Business in the Community and Managing Director, Waitrose with Lianne Rafferty and Brendan Kelly, John Graham (Dromore) Ltd and ARENA Network Chair, Peter Dixon