Environmental Management Systems
EMS deals with the management of an organisation's environmental programs in a comprehensive, systematic, planned and documented manner. It includes the organisational structure, planning and resources for developing, implementing and maintaining policy for environmental protection.
An Environmental Management System (EMS):
- Serves as a tool to improve environmental performance
- Provides a systematic way of managing an organization’s environmental affairs
- Is the aspect of the organization’s overall management structure that addresses immediate and long-term impacts of its products, services and processes on the environment
- Gives order and consistency for organizations to address environmental concerns through the allocation of resources, assignment of responsibility and ongoing evaluation of practices, procedures and processes
- Focuses on continual improvement of the system
What is the EMS Model?
An EMS follows a Plan-Do-Check-Act Cycle, or PDCA. The process also includes checking the system and acting on it. The model is continuous because an EMS is a process of continual improvement in which an organization is constantly reviewing and revising the system.
This is a model that can be used by a wide range of organizations — from manufacturing facilities to service industries to government agencies.
What are some key elements of an EMS?
- Policy Statement - a statement of the organization’s commitment to the environment
- Identification of Significant Environmental Impacts - environmental attributes of products, activities and services and their effects on the environment
- Development of Objectives and Targets - environmental goals for the organization
- Implementation - plans to meet objectives and targets
- Training - instruction to ensure employees are aware and capable of fulfilling their environmental responsibilities
- Management Review
There are a range of benefits associated with operating an effective Environmental Management Systems (EMS):
Financial
- Cost savings through
- the reduction of waste and more efficient use of natural resources (electricity, water, gas and fuels.)
- Avoiding fines and penalties from not meeting environmental legislation by identifying environmental risks and addressing weaknesses.
- Reduction in insurance costs by demonstrating better risk management.
Operational and Internal
- Improved overall performance and efficiency.
- Able to monitor and reflect (audit) your businesss and see which areas need intervention
External
- Better public perception of the organization, leading to improved sales
- Reduction of the impact (e.g. noises, smells, dust) of your activities on the local residents, leading to more community support
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