An Environmental Management System (EMS) is a method of incorporating environmental care throughout the corporate structure. EMS includes strategic planning activities, the organisational structure and implementation of the environmental policy as an integral part of the manufacturing process. It is a useful tool to implement to comply with legislation, address stakeholder pressure and improve corporate image and raise awareness of environmental issues.

EMS is a problem-identification and problem-solving tool, based on the concept of continual improvement, that can be implemented in an organisation in many different ways, depending on the sector of activity and the needs perceived by management. In particular, standards for EMS have been developed by the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) and by the European Commission – Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS).

Key Elements

• Undertake an initial environmental review;
• Define an environmental policy;
• Develop an environmental action plan and define environmental responsibilities;
• Develop internal information and training courses;
• Audit the environmental management system and conduct an environmental management review.

Further Information

ISO Online [http://www.iso.ch/] - This is the official ISO 14000 website. It provides users with information on ISO, ISO technical work, the standards themselves as well as ISO member contacts and servers.

EMAS HelpDesk [http://www.europa.eu.int/comm/environment/emas/] - Formerly managed by EOTC, this site is now managed by Bradley Dunbar Associates. It offers official information on Eco-Management and Audit Scheme including a help-desk, regular news service, and news and events.

Clean Technology Center – EMS [http://www.unepie.org/pc/pc/tools/ems.htm] - This site contains information on environmental management tools, particularly EMS and EMAS. It outlines what an EMS is and how it can be applied.

UNEP/FIDIC/ICC EMS Kit [http://www.unepie.org/outreach/business/ems.htm] - This UNEP/FIDIC/ICC publication described on this site is an EMS training resource kit. It gives trainers and managers the tools necessary to conduct training courses in EMS for companies in their own region. It is composed of a trainers guide, lecture material, exercises, case studies and information resources. The kit is available in numerous languages.

EMAS Tool Kit for SMEs [http://www.inem.org/] - The International Network developed this electronic tool kit for Environmental Management. It is aimed at helping small- and medium- sized enterprises incorporate EMAS into their business operations. The publication contains a tool kit, case studies and information for further assistance.

US EPA Design for the Environment (Dfe) programme [http://www.epa.gov/dfe/] - The DfE Program helps businesses incorporate environmental considerations into the design and redesign of products, processes, and technical and management systems. This page provides access to the EMS website (under development), which aims to provide information on how to apply and implement an EMS.

 

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Last Update: 10 August, 2001