BEPI (Business Environmental Performance Initiative)

Assessed Components

The amfori BEPI audit covers a wide range of critical environmental areas, including:

• Environmental Management System: Evaluates the existence and effectiveness of the company’s environmental management system to ensure sustainable practices.
   
• Energy and Climate: Analyzes energy consumption and greenhouse gas mitigation strategies, promoting energy efficiency.
   
• Air Emissions: Examines pollutant emissions and the control measures implemented to minimize air quality impact.
   
• Water and Effluents: Assesses water use management and wastewater treatment, encouraging resource efficiency and sustainable water management.
   
• Waste: Reviews waste generation and management, promoting reduction, reuse, and recycling to minimize environmental impact.
   
• Biodiversity: Evaluates the company’s impact on local biodiversity and promotes practices that protect and preserve ecosystems.
   
• Chemicals: Reviews chemical use and management, encouraging substitution with less harmful alternatives and responsible handling.
   
• Noise: Examines noise emissions and mitigation measures to minimize impacts on the environment and local communities.
   

Applicability

amfori BEPI audits are applicable to a wide range of companies within global supply chains, including manufacturers, suppliers, and other industry stakeholders. The tool is used by both large multinational corporations and small to medium-sized enterprises aiming to improve environmental performance and meet growing consumer and regulatory sustainability expectations.

Audit Process

The amfori BEPI audit process is meticulous, ensuring accuracy and credibility of reported environmental data. APCER is qualified to verify these data. The process includes:

1. Member Invitation: An amfori member invites the company to register on the platform.
    
2. Profile Creation: The company creates a profile and provides details of its sites.
    
3. Risk Assessment: The amfori platform generates a risk assessment based on the company’s activities, including relevant Environmental Performance Areas.
    
4. Assignment of Improvement Activities: Based on the risk profile, the amfori member requests environmental monitoring or other improvement actions.
    
5. On-site Audit: APCER conducts the on-site audit and prepares a report.
    
6. Technical Review: The audit report undergoes technical review.
    
7. Report Submission: The auditor submits the final report on the amfori platform within ten business days after monitoring.
    
8. Follow-up Audit: Investigates initial findings. Recommended 2–12 months after the initial audit to allow for implementation and documentation of improvements.
    

Audit Frequency

To ensure continuous monitoring and improvement, amfori BEPI audits can be conducted annually, allowing companies to track their environmental performance closely and implement improvements systematically.

Why Conduct an amfori BEPI Audit?

• Environmental Performance Improvement: Identifies improvement areas and implements more sustainable practices, reducing environmental impact.
   
• Increased Transparency and Credibility: Third-party audits ensure the accuracy of reported environmental data, enhancing transparency and credibility with stakeholders.
   
• Regulatory and Standards Compliance: Helps companies comply with international environmental regulations and industry standards, minimizing legal and operational risks.
   
• Competitive Advantage: Companies with strong environmental practices are more attractive to business partners, consumers, and investors who value sustainability.
   
• Cost Reduction: Implementing efficient environmental management practices can lead to cost savings through reduced resource consumption and improved waste management.