What is it?
An Environmental Management System (EMS) is a structured framework designed to help organizations manage their environmental impacts and improve environmental performance caused by their products, services and activities. By providing a systematic approach to managing environmental affairs, an EMS includes organizational structure, planning and resources for developing, implementing and maintaining policy for environmental protection.
How does it work?
An EMS follows a Plan-Do-Check-Act cycle. The planning phase involves identifying environmental aspects and legal requirements, setting environmental objectives, and establishing programs for reaching these objectives. The ‘do’ phase involves implementing the programs and procedures. The ‘check’ phase involves monitoring and measuring progress towards environmental objectives, correcting any deviations, and improving the system. The ‘act’ phase involves reviewing and improving the whole system.
Real-World Impact
A practical example of an EMS in action can be seen in a manufacturing company. After implementing an EMS, the company may identify that its waste is its most significant environmental impact. To address this, the company could set an objective to reduce waste production by a certain percentage, and then establish a recycling program as a part of its EMS to achieve this objective. The company would then monitor and measure the effectiveness of the program in reducing waste.
How to Get Started
Implementing an EMS starts with a commitment from management, then conducting an initial environmental review to identify the organization’s significant environmental aspects. The next steps are developing an environmental policy, planning the EMS, and then implementing it. After the EMS is implemented, the organization should check the system and take corrective action as necessary, and then review the system on a regular basis.
Get the Empress Edge
Understanding and using an EMS offers many benefits. Not only does it help organizations reduce their environmental impact and improve their environmental performance, but it can also provide a competitive advantage in their industry. By demonstrating a commitment to environmental responsibility, companies can improve their image with customers, potentially win new business, and meet regulatory requirements more efficiently. Furthermore, an EMS can also help organizations save money by reducing waste and improving energy efficiency.