Environmental Management Systems
Environmental Management System (EMS) are developed based on the international standard ISO 14001:2004 Environmental management systems - specifications with guidance for use and are a logical framework for systematically implementing and improving environmental outcomes.
An EMS is a system which organisations set in place to manage their environmental impacts, both current and future. Like a financial management system monitors expenditure and income and enables regular checks of a company’s financial performance, an EMS monitors environmental performance. An EMS integrates environmental management into a company’s daily operations, long term planning and other quality management systems.
It is up to individual organisations to decide whether an EMS is an appropriate approach for their environmental management, and if so, what size and complexity should be involved. Smaller companies may develop simple plans for managing their key environmental impacts. Larger companies may develop a comprehensive EMS, and may also consider seeking certification under the international standard ISO 14001 (see ISO 14000 section).
Components of an EMS The most important component of an EMS is organisational commitment. For an effective EMS to be developed and implemented, you need commitment from the very top of the organisation, as well as all staff. Following are further examples of components that should be considered when developing an EMS.
- Environmental Policy: This is a statement of what an organisation intends to achieve from an EMS. It ensures all environmental activities are consistent with the organisation’s objectives.
- Environmental Impact Identification: Identification and documentation of the actual and potential environmental impacts of an organisation’s operations need to be undertaken. This can be achieved through undertaking an environmental audit.
- Objectives and Targets: An environmental audit forms the basis of determining an organisation’s environmental objectives and targets. An organisation can find benefits in adopting more stringent longer term objectives to encourage it to improve its performance. To continually improve, targets should be regularly reviewed
- Consultation: Staff and community consultation should be undertaken before, during and after establishment of an EMS. This is necessary to ensure that all staff are involved in, and committed to the EMS. It can also help to improve public perception of the company, one of the benefits of implementing an EMS.
- Operational and Emergency Procedures: All procedures should be reviewed to ensure they are compatible with the organisation’s environmental objectives and targets. Any changes should be included with the documentation.
The GPA has extensive experience in developing and implementing tailor made Environmental Management Systems across small, medium and large organisations. Whether you are looking for a certifiable EMS or one that complies with the requirements of ISO 14001, the GPA can meet all of your system requirements.