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Environmental Management Systems (EMS)
Concerns over the impact that mans activities are having
on the environment have risen dramatically in the last
30 years, and these concerns are reflected in the ever-increasing
amount of environmentally related legislation.
Environmental management Systems (EMS's) provide an
integrated and systematic approach to managing and controlling
the environmental impacts of all your organisations
activities, enhancing environmental performance and
ensuring compliance with environmental legislation.
How will an EMS benefit my organisation?
Implementing an EMS scheme will -
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Ensure compliance with environmental legislation
and regulations
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Maintain / improve public and community relations
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Reduce incidents resulting in liability
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Disposal Costs
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Reduce energy use and the input of raw materials
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Satisfy investor criteria and improve access
to capital
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Obtain better rates of insurance
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Give your organisation a competitive edge in
both the local and global marketplace
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Continually improve environmental and overall
performance
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Involve staff, raise awareness and develop new
skills
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There are 3 main options available to organisations
who wish to implement and EMS.
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Develop your own in-house EMS
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Follow the Guidelines of the international standard
ISO 14001
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Adopt the framework of the European Communities
Eco-management and Audit Scheme (EMAS)
Although it is possible to develop your own EMS, adopting
a scheme that is certified to an internationally recognised
standard (such as ISO 14001 and EMAS) may be more beneficial
in terms of demonstrating environmental compliance to
prospective clients, shareholders, staff and the public
and may be a requirement criteria in securing investment
or improving access to capital etc.
What are the main elements of an EMS?
All EMS schemes follow a similar basic pattern
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A.
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Development of an Environmental Policy
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B.
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Definition of Objectives and Targets
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C.
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Development of an EMS program to realise objectives
and targets
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D.
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Internal Audits to ensure effectiveness and compliance
to the EMS
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E.
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Management Review to ensure that the scheme remains
suitable and effective for both the organisation
and its aims
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What will it cost?
The cost of implementing and EMS is dependent on several
factors including size of the organisation and complexity
of the system.
| Links to further
information |
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Quality
Network: Introduction to Environmental Management Systems
Envirowise
Ref. Note 010 Environmental Management Systems: Getting
Senior Management Commitment
Envirowise
Ref. Note 011 Environmental Management Systems: Raising
Awareness With Teams And Champions
Envirowise
Ref. Note 012 Environmental Management Systems: How
To Write An Environmental Policy
Envirowise
Ref. Note 013 Environmental Management Systems: How
To Compile A Register of Legislation
Envirowise
Ref. Note 015 Environmental Management Systems: How
To Assess Significance Of Environmental Effects
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