Industry Sector
OSA’s green charter now available
OSA’s green charter now available
The optical industry’s Green Charter, levels 1&2, are now available for businesses to implement, with sustainable targets to work towards.
Achieving the first two of the four levels sets businesses on the right track, delegates were told at the OSA’s Summer Meeting at the Belfry.
Addressing many of the aspects that businesses are seeking guidance on, the Charter is available to both OSA and non-OSA members to implement. All operational aspects are addressed from greener premises, reducing transportation carbon footprint, eliminating paper use and promoting energy savings in production.
“This is a significant step in ensuring a greener, more sustainable, future for the entire optical supply chain. The aim is to ensure that as many people as possible are engaged in this journey. The Green Charter is the road-map and set to become the industry standard. Levels 1& 2 are particularly important as they are aligned to NHS procurement policy, and are some years ahead of NHS expectations, so will put businesses on the right track as NHS suppliers,” said OSA Director, Jayne Abel.
Outlining the need to appoint a sustainability officer within each business, and sustainability champions within each division of the company, the Green Charter provides a framework, and addresses all aspects of an optical business. It is scalable and geared to guiding businesses of all sizes which are committed to achieving carbon net zero and eliminating single use plastics.
“We are there to support this journey with check lists, calculators, and targets which require self-evidencing and verification by the OSA. On completion, companies will be given a specific Digital Certificate which can be attached to their website and all communications. This links to the database of all businesses having achieved Green Charter accreditation.
“Levels 3&4 of the Green Charter will be available for optical businesses later this year and will embrace ISO 14001 Environmental Management and the attainment of B Corp certification in meeting standards of social and environmental performance, transparency and accountability,” added Jayne.
Much of the work in creating the Green Charter stems from Jayne Abel’s company mission to take her business, Eyespace, into the next decade with a greener conscious. Jayne’s insights have been valuable in establishing the OSA’s commitment to foster co-operation across the optical community.
