M 5.4.1 ems
- 1. The European Commission support for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the contents, which solely reflect the views of the authors. The Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained herein Module 5 Starting Point towards eco-innovation
- 2. M 5.4.1 Environmental Management Systems
- 3. Learning Outcomes The learner will be able to actively take part in the implementation of EMS. He/She is able to introduce Eco-Labels.
- 4. Definition An environmental management system (EMS) is "a system and database which integrates procedures and processes for training of personnel, monitoring, summarizing, and reporting of specialized environmental performance information to internal and external stakeholders of a firm". or An Environmental Management System (EMS) is a set of processes and practices that enable an organization to reduce its environmental impacts and increase its operating efficiency. definition: EPA; US Environmental Protection Agency
- 6. The “Plan-do-check-act” cycle Like many other management systems, environmental management is structured according to the “Plan-do-check-act” cycle.
- 7. Basic EMS An EMS helps an organization to address its regulatory demands in a systematic and cost-effective manner. This proactive approach can help reduce the risk of non-compliance and improve health and safety practices for employees and the public. An EMS can also help address non-regulated issues and can promote stronger operational control and employee stewardship
- 8. Basic elements of an EMS Reviewing the organization's environmental goals; Analyzing its environmental impacts and legal requirements; Setting environmental objectives and targets to reduce environmental impacts and comply with legal requirements; Establishing programs to meet these objectives and targets; Monitoring and measuring progress in achieving the objectives; Ensuring employees' environmental awareness and competence; and, Reviewing progress of the EMS and making improvements
- 9. The steps of an EMS An EMS encourages an organization to continuously improve its environmental performance. The system follows a repeating cycle. 0. The organization first commits to an environmental policy, then 1. uses its policy as a basis for establishing a plan, which sets objectives and targets for improving environmental performance. “Plan” 2. The next step is implementation. “Do” 3. After that, the organization evaluates its environmental performance to see whether the objectives and targets are being met. “Check” 4. If targets are not being met, corrective action is taken. “Act” 0. The results of this evaluation are then reviewed to see if the EMS is working. Management revisits the environmental policy and sets new targets in a revised plan. The company then implements the revised plan. The cycle repeats, and continuous improvement occurs.
- 10. Costs and Benefits of an EMS Internal - Staff/manager time - Other employee time External - Potential consulting assistance - Outside training of personnel Benefits - Improved environmental performance - Enhanced compliance - Pollution prevention - Resource conservation - Increased efficiency/reduced costs
- 11. Costs and Benefits of an EMS Additional Benefits Enhanced employee morale Enhanced image with public, regulators, lenders, investors Employee awareness of environmental issues and responsibilities
- 12. Examples of an EMS ISO 14001 certification in Environmental Management EMAS validation ECOPROFIT
- 13. Eco-Labelling "Ecolabelling" is a voluntary method of environmental performance certification and labelling that is practiced around the world. An ecolabel identifies products or services proven environmentally preferable overall, within a specific product or service category. Exercise: make a short desktop research and find Eco-Labels, suitable for companies in the hospitality industry!
- 15. Project web-page: http://eco-mode-project.eu/ This work is licensed under a