TWO companies have reached the highest level of the Eco-Active Business scheme.

Standard Chartered Jersey and Amalgamated Facilities Management are the first to gain a level three certificate for their green initiatives. Eco-Active Business was launched in February by Economic Development Minister Philip Ozouf to encourage local companies to demonstrate commitment to improving the environment.

Since it launched, 29 local organisations have become accredited. However, until now none had reached the highest status – that of ‘Leader’. All accredited members of the scheme have made positive steps to reduce the impact of their business operations on the environment.

To reach ‘Leader’ status, businesses are required to develop a detailed environmental management system addressing all the significant environmental impacts of the companies’ operations. It is an equivalent to international standards of environmental excellence.

• Picture: Mick Thurston, client relationship manager at AFM, and Roy Manning, head of facilities management at Standard Chartered