EMAS

Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS)

EMAS was adopted by the European Council in June 1993 and has been open for participation by companies in the 15 EU member states and 3 European Economic Area Member States since April 1995.

A survey of 517 EMAS registered sites conducted during 1997 revealed that 47 % had less than 250 employees and 14% had less than 50 employees
(source:European Union EMAS Helpdesk)

In order to participate in the scheme organisations must operate industrial activities however there is provision under Article 14 of the regulations for Member States to apply the scheme on an experimental basis to other activities (in the UK EMAS has been adopted by a range of local authorities) The regulations have recently been revised to allow a wide range of industrial and service sectors of the economy to participate.

Registration requires organisations to adopt an environmental policy based on 3 key commitments

The first step in gaining accreditation is to conduct an initial on site environmental review. Based on the review the organisation is then able to develop an environmental policy, programme and management system. Environmental audits are required at least once every 3 years and based on their findings EMS objectives and programmes may be revised.

Once the initial review and audits have been conducted the organisation is required to produce a public environmental statement that should include

	A description of the site's activities
	An assessment of all significant environmental issues
	A summary of figures on pollution emissions, waste production, use of raw materials, energy and water
	The organisations environmental policy and programme and management system
	The deadline for the next statement; and, the name of the accredited environmental verifier
	(Source: EMAS Helpdesk)

Compliance to EMAS is validated by accredited independent verifiers who submit the recommendation for registration to the competent body who maintain a register of participating organisations

How is EMAS related to ISO 14001?

EMAS goes beyond the requirements of ISO 14001 in the areas of environmental performance improvements, provision for legal compliance and environmental performance reporting

Of 140 EMAS registered sites sampled in 1998, 47% were also ISO 14001 certified (source: "An Assessment of the Implementation of EMAS in Member States")

Organisations certified under ISO 14001 are able to use the standard to meet most of the requirements for registration to EMAS

European Union: EMAS Helpdesk

Frequently Asked Questions

European Union: EMAS Reference Documents

Quality Network: The European Eco Management & Audit Scheme EMAS