Environmental Management System (EMS): meaning, standards, examples
Given the increasing regulatory and societal demands for environmental sustainability, there is a need for a structured approach to managing environmental responsibilities and reducing impact. Environmental Management Systems (EMS) are crucial for organizations to achieve these aims and will also help in delivering on the E aspect of their ESG commitments.
Environmental Management System framework: meaning and definition
Human activity can have severe impacts on the environment, and this has been recognised through history in the attempts to control and regulate matters such as sewage and waste disposal and prevention of the most harmful effects of industrial effluents and air emissons. Sustainability is a more recent consideration but one which also needs to be accounted for. Organizations are increasingly judged on their performance in environmental sustainability by their customers and society as a whole.
In this more complex operating context simply meeting a small number of local laws is not sufficient so taking a structured approach by defining its environmental ambitions and implementing an EMS are logical steps for organizations. What is an Environmental Management System? An EMS is a framework that helps an organization achieve its environmental goals through consistent review, evaluation, and improvement of its environmental performance.
As with so many other management systems, the EMS framework is normally based on a Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle, which ensures that environmental aspects are systematically identified, controlled, and monitored. The PDCA cycle also promotes continuous improvement of the environmental management system.
EMS standards
Firstly, it is important to understand that environmental standards and environmental management system standards are separate but related terms. Environmental standards are typically prescribed in local, national or international laws that all organizations are required to meet. Examples include absolute limits set for effluents and emission of specific substances, e.g such as tons/year, mg/liter, mg/m3 air. Environmental managements system standards does not set such limits, but rather provide a set of structured processes and practices that enable an organization to reduce its identified environmental impacts and enhance performance, all under controlled conditions. Such standards are designed to provide a framework for a holistic approach to environmental policy, objectives and actions.
There are many independent bodies that have devised EMS standards that can be adopted and applied by organizations regardless of their size, type, and nature. They are based upon best practices and are intended to provide organizations with the elements of an effective EMS that can be integrated with other management requirements and help organizations achieve environmental and economic goals. Such standards are systematically reviewed and updated.
ISO 14001 and Environmental Management System
The most recognized standard for EMS is ISO 14001. It is available from the International Standards Organization and provides a structured approach to environmental management and helps organizations improve their environmental performance, comply with legal requirements, and achieve environmental objectives. ISO 14001 gives a framework that an organization can follow, rather than establishing environmental performance requirements. It is part of a family of standards related to environmental management that helps organizations minimize how their operations negatively affect the environment, comply with applicable laws, regulations, and other environmentally oriented requirements, and continually improve in the above areas.
Importantly, it also allows certification by independent third-party bodies. Achieving certification is often a license to trade in many jurisdictions and industries. Furthermore, it permits certified organizations to publicize the fact, boosting the organization’s credentials and increasing its value as a partner for other organizations along the supply chain.
Learn more about DNV ISO 14001 Foundation Course.
EMS audit, why is it important?
An EMS audit is a systematic, independent, and documented process for obtaining audit evidence and evaluating it objectively to determine the extent to which the EMS criteria are met. It is important because it helps to ensure that an organization's EMS meets the requirements of the ISO 14001 standard.
The audit process helps to identify areas for improvement, ensure compliance with legal and other requirements, and demonstrate an organization's commitment to environmental stewardship. It also provides valuable insights into the performance of the EMS, allowing for better decision-making and strategic planning towards sustainability goals.
As with most management systems, audits fall into two categories. The first is the Internal audit undertaken by suitable trained employees of the organization and aimed at identifying areas where procedures and processes may not be being followed correctly or where improvements could be made. The second is the External audit carried out by a certifying body aimed at ensuring the requirements of a standard are being met. A successful External audit is needed for initial certification and at regular intervals thereafter to maintain certification.
Environmental Management System: examples
Organizations impact the environment in many ways and although there may be some common themes in the EMS of different organizations, there will also be many differences. The common areas found in most are energy efficiency, waste reduction, resource management and pollution prevention.
Achieving each of these aims will differ from organization to organization. For example, energy efficiencies might be made by use of LED lighting in offices and factories or by changing production machinery for more energy efficient models. Changing suppliers for ones nearer can reduce transport energy use and at the same time bring the benefit of reduced costs.
Waste reduction might be possible by changing manufacturing processes, adopting a paperless office strategy or by identifying other organizations which could make use of process waste. Recycling is another area where an EMS could be helpful. Many organizations have abandoned single use plastics in favour of more environmentally packaging.
The list of opportunities to reduce environmental impact is almost endless. These will change over time due to changing circumstances such as legislative requirements and new technological developments.
Standards are reviewed at regular intervals to ensure they are updated in line with current best practices and trends within the area of environmental management.
What is clear is that the link between EMS and ESG is a very real one. An effective EMS will go a long way to satisfying the environmental element of ESG and thus make an organization a more attractive prospect for investors.
