Conservation charity, Marwell Wildlife awarded ISO 14001 certification

10 December 2009

Marwell Wildlife has been awarded certification to the prestigious international standard for environmental Management Systems. Marwell joins just four other UK zoological institutions to win this certification.

ISO 14001 is the world's most recognised environmental management system. As a stringent set of measures, primarily concerned with environmental management, Marwell now meets environmental management standards and satisfies independent inspectors that it minimises the harmful environmental effects of its activities and continually improves its environmental performance.

The wildlife conservation charity started to plan for accreditation over a year ago, and was led by Duncan East, Marwell's Sustainability Manager. "As a conservation charity it is important that we continually look to improve our environmental performance. By serving as a framework, ISO 14001 enables us to manage better a wide range of environmental impacts, from waste management through to energy use and water use. We also now have processes in place for effective management, prevention of pollution, environmental performance and legal compliance."

The ISO 14001 certification audit was carried out by SGS UK, part of the SGS Group, and is recognised as the global benchmark in quality and integrity. On assessing Marwell Wildlife and awarding ISO 14001, SGS commented on the commitment and support from all colleagues throughout the different areas of the charity, with particular mention of 'excellent understanding of relevant environmental issues' by the animal teams working at the zoological park.

The ISO 14001 forms a part of Marwell's recently established environmental Management System, which also helps the charity identify its environmental impact and take action to improve its performance.

Notes to editors

For further media information please contact Helen Jeffreys, Marwell Wildlife Media Relations Officer. Email: helenj@marwell.org.uk Phone: 01962 777947

Image of two Scimitar-horned oryx is provided for use with this press release.

Marwell Wildlife is a registered charity dedicated to the conservation of wildlife and other natural resources. Registered Charity Number: 275433.

Marwell Wildlife's vision is living in balance with nature. The charity aims to share knowledge, engage people's curiosity and encourage both their enjoyment of the present and responsibility for the future of our planet.

In pursuit of this vision Marwell Wildlife aims to:

• Conserve species and their habitats, locally and globally.
• Further understanding and inspire care for the natural world.
• Share our knowledge including results from scientific studies.
• Understand our impacts and improve our environmental performance.
• Invest in individuals and communities

Marwell Wildlife's zoological park provides a great way for visitors to enjoy the wonders of nature close-up, while also involving them in Marwell's efforts to conserve endangered species and habitats, both locally and internationally. By providing people with a rich and memorable experience, Marwell aims to inspire people to help secure a better future for endangered wildlife for generations to come.

Marwell Wildlife is a member of the British and Irish Association of zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA). BIAZA represents its member collections and promotes the values of good zoos and aquariums.