We have already developed a number of standards that support waste prevention, resource efficiency, eco-design and remanufacturing, but recognise that there is no one standard focussed entirely on the concept of the circular economy and resource management.
The committee’s first decision was to develop a framework standard for ‘implementing the principles of the circular economy in organizations’. The broad scope, underlying principles and direction were agreed during 2015 and a smaller drafting panel was formed in November of that year to develop the actual standard within an 18-month period.
Given the nature and profile of the standard and lack of standardization in this area BSI was very grateful to secure some funding from BEIS to help progress the standard’s development by testing/piloting core elements. A variety of businesses and organizations from differing sectors and sizes were consulted during this piloting phase, both within the UK and overseas, to ensure the standard met their needs for practical guidance and recommendations.
Published in May 2017, BS 8001 is the first practical framework and guidance of its kind for organizations to implement the principles of the circular economy and has been written in way so that it can be used wherever they are in the world. It is intended to apply to any organization, regardless of location, size, sector and type. It will be useful to those with varying levels of knowledge and understanding of the circular economy. It provides practical ways to secure smaller ‘quick-wins’, right through to helping organizations re-think holistically how their resources are managed to enhance financial, environmental and social benefits.
The new standard is available at a special price from the BSI Shop.
