Recognizing the constraints faced by SMEs new British Standard -8555 was rolled out in April-2003. It was an outcome of British Government project, which was launched in response environmental requirements companies were placing on SMEs in their supply chains. Clearly there was a need of staged implementation and recognition approach for the SME suppliers.
Successful implementation of BS-8555 in SME in various parts of UK and Spain through Fundacion Entorno did encourage the SMEs to derive the benefits that an EMS offers.

To promote wider use of BS-8555 amongst SMEs in Asia, this seminar in India was a part of the three planned in India, Thailand & Philippines and was jointly organized by German-Thai Chamber of Commerce, INEM, CII and Fundacion Entorno.

The objective was to create awareness on the concept and benefits of BS-8555 approach. The inaugural session was chaired by Mr. A K Ghose, Vice President (Env.) Jubilant Organosys Ltd. In his inaugural address he applauded the foundation on which BS -8555 was based and was optimistic about the systems ability to handle the problems faced in designing and implementing conventional management systems.

Mr. K P Nyati Head-EMD, Confederation of Indian Industry also emphasized the need of such a system, which is designed keeping in mind the requirements and the constraints faced by SMEs.

Other speakers for the seminar included Julia Vera Prieto from Fundacion Entorno, Spain and Etienne Butruille from White Young Green Environmental, UK. They shared their experiences relating to implementation of BS 8555 in Europe, and decipher them to suit the Indian context.