ESI Monitor is a newly established business in Guernsey which is a privately funded ‘not for profit’ organisation. It wants 'to help develop Guernsey as a centre for green finance and a recognised leader in sustainable business'.

Following feedback from organisations, E&I said it has recognised that further developments were needed to the KGGA in order to encompass a greater focus both locally and nationally on environmental issues, especially in regards to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Green Finance.

ESI Monitor has carried out benchmarking of the KGGA framework against national and European standards. Following this work, the new enhanced framework has been developed incorporating wider sustainability criteria and mitigation action. A Memorandum of Understanding has been signed by both ESI Monitor and the Office of the Committee for the Environment and Infrastructure which will ensure that the principles of the ESIM Environmental Operations Award aligns with government priorities relating to the conservation, protection and enhancement of the environment.

Current holders of the 'Keep Guernsey Green Award' will be able to transfer over to the ESIM Environmental Operations Award during the remainder of their three-year period.

ESI Monitor will also be launching a local community business champion award, rating businesses for their contribution to the local community. With both awards, consumers and stakeholders will be able to view information on individual organisations commitments to people, planet and prosperity. It is hoped that those participating businesses will be rewarded by consumers and stakeholders for their commitment and that this will encourage more businesses and organisations to participate.

The official launch of ESI Monitor is on 17 September at the Chamber of Commerce. Anyone interested in attending can find more information at guernseychamber.com/our-events.

Deputy Lindsay de Sausmarez, Member of the Committee for the Environment & Infrastructure, said:

“Environmental sustainability is an increasingly important issue for organisations,reflecting the growing awareness of climate change and other environmental issues in the community as a whole. We are fortunate the KGGA has provided such solid foundations, and for that we have to thank Keith Tapscott, for the time, energy, expertise and commitment he has shown over the years.

“The new award gives our business community the kind of accreditation they’vebeen asking us for. It will provide a robust framework to look at a range of factors that affect their environmental footprint, including their energy use, waste management and travel policies, and consider the best ways of reducing and mitigating their environmental impact. The ESIM Environmental Operations Award will both support and recognise the great work going on in the business communityto make Guernsey a more environmentally sustainable island.”

Marc Lainé, Director of ESI Monitor, said:

“At ESI Monitor, we provide independently certified benchmarked ratings oforganisations’ community and environmental commitments and policies to enablethem to make informed decisions and demonstrate alignment of their values with social expectations.

“All organisations, of any size and from any industry can apply for the ESIM Environmental Operations Award. We believe that this project will provide Guernsey with an opportunity to demonstrate its commitment and alignment with the UNSustainable Development Goals as well as enhancing Guernsey’s reputation for Green Finance.”