16th May 2002
Engineers provided with tools to measure sustainability

"The Sustainability Metrics" is the title of a new publication launched this week at the annual Assembly of the Institution of Chemical Engineers. Speaking at the launch, Robert Lowson, DEFRA's director of environmental strategy, said, "We are very impressed and supportive of this initiative. The Sustainability Metrics is aimed at the process industry and means that engineers now have a quantifiable way of measuring the sustainability performance of their operating units.

The Sustainability Metrics provide a coherent set of measures to assess the impact of industrial activity. They are designed as an internal tool to help companies set targets and monitor the progress of their sustainability performance year on year. Developed by a group of leading industrials and academics, the metrics are being supported by the Chemical Industries Association, who will promote them to their member companies. The Sustainability Metrics reflect all the aspects of the triple bottom line. Although they are aimed at engineers in the chemical and process industry, they will prove useful to staff in other industries as well as those involved in teaching sustainability.

IChemE President, Dr Graham Lawson added that, "Sustainability cannot be successful unless everyone in an organisation is tuned in. These metrics will aid engineers in addressing the issue of sustainable development and learn more about the broader impacts of their company operations."

For more information or a free copy of the metrics, please contact Andy Furlong, Tel: 01788 534414, email: afurlong@icheme.org

Notes to Editors:

1. IChemE (Institution of Chemical Engineers), the professional body for chemical engineers, aims to encourage best practice in the process industries. With a global membership approaching 25,000, the Institution has the role of learned society, publishing books, journals and training packages and organising conferences and courses. For more information, visit www.icheme.org.

2. The Chemical Industries Association (CIA) is the UK chemical industry's leading trade and employer organisation and embraces all the industry's trade sectors, product types and business activities. Based in central London, the Association employs 67 experienced and professionally qualified staff headed by the Director General. Policies are formulated by specialist boards and committees under the leadership of a council which decides the overall framework, strategy and priorities. Contact details: CIA, Kings Buildings, Smith Square, London SW1P 3JJ. Tel: 020 7834 3399, Fax: 020 7233 6202.