Benefits of an EMS
An effective EMS will:
- Reduce the risk of fines and penalties for non-compliance with environmental legislation;
- Assist the company to meet client requirements;
- Identify opportunities to reduce costs e.g. utility bills, waste disposal costs, improve process efficiency;
- Assist the organisation to be more sustainable, including carbon reduction;
- Track environmental performance against set targets;
- Provide auditable evidence of continual improvement in environmental performance;
- Demonstrate corporate environmental responsibility to all stakeholders.
Environmental Management Systems (EMS)
An Environmental Management System (EMS) provides your company with a demonstrable framework through which its environmental performance can be monitored, measured, audited and improved.
Environmental Strategies Ltd has the consultancy expertise to help you develop an effective, sustainable EMS that adds value to your business.
There are two main types of EMS:
1. Formal EMS to an externally certified standard
The most common standard used is ISO 14001, but other standards such as BS 8555 and the EU voluntary EMAS regulation are also available. The ISO 14001 is the internationally recognised standard for environmental management. It can be applied to any business or organisation that has the commitment to achieve the requirements of the Standard. The EMS will have a defined scope and apply to activities, products and services that have an impact on the environment.
2. Informal EMS
An organisation may identify the benefits of having an EMS, but does not need to achieve certification to a recognised Standard. In this situation an informal EMS is a cost effective way for the organisation to demonstrate commitment to continual environmental improvement whilst benefiting from reduced risk and sustainable cost savings. The organisation is also then in a position to achieve certification to one of the standards at a later date without incurring the initial EMS development costs. Click here for further information.
