Environmental Management Systems (EMS)

An Environmental Management System is a structured framework for managing an organisations environmental impact.  Becoming certified by an environmental management system can provide significant benefits to your organisation and its long term sustainability. 

Key Benefits Associated with an Environmental Management System.

More effective use of resources  An EMS makes you consider and manage resource efficiency through policy and procedures reducing costs.

Better Regulatory Compliance  Developing an EMS will help ensure your legal requirements are met.

Marketing  Businesses are increasingly being judged on their environmental credentials.  An EMS demonstrates that your organisation is environmentally aware and committed to ongoing improvements.

Inward Investment You may find it easier to attract inward investment by demonstrating that you are environmentally responsible. 

Increased opportunities  An increasing number of organisations, government bodies will only deal with businesses that can demonstrate they are certified with an EMS.  It can also secure new and existing markets and help meet customers expectations of accountability and transparency. 

Certification

There is no legal requirement to get your environmental management system independently certified; however external certification demonstrates that you are environmentally responsible and can provide a powerful marketing tool. 

Warning:  If you are looking to get your environmental management system certified make sure you use an EMS certification body approved by United Kingdom Accreditation Services (UKAS).  UKAS is the sole national accreditation body recognised by government to assess organisations that provide evaluation services. 

Accreditation by UKAS demonstrates the technical competence, impartiality and performance capability of these businesses, which provides purchaser confidence in their choice of supplier.  Businesses with UKAS accredited certification also receive greater recognition from Regulators. 

For further details on UKAS Accreditation please Download the guidance document published by the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment in association with DEFRA and UKAS. 

Types of Environmental Management Systems

BS 8555

BS 8555 is a British Standard that provides guidance for implementing an EMS through a phased approach and can be a good way of working towards the internationally recognised standard ISO14001 or the eco-management and audit scheme (EMAS).  BS 8555 is just guidance and not a certifiable standard.  Your organisation can gain independent recognition of following BS 8555 through the following schemes;

• Acorn Scheme by Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment.
• BS8555 STEMS, British Standard Institute
• Green Dragon Standard

ISO14001

ISO14001 is the internationally recognised standard for environmental management systems.  Certification to ISO14001 provides good management practise and self evident benefits to the organisation, its employees, stakeholders and the environment.

For more information visit British Standard Institute website. 

EMAS

The Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS) is a voluntary EU initiative designed to improve your company's environmental performance.  EMAS acknowledges organizations that improve their environmental performance on a continuous basis.

To gain EMAS verification you must demonstrate that you have identified and are working with all relevant legislation and have systems in place to do so on an ongoing basis.  You also have to prove that your system meets the ISO14001 standard. 

For more information on EMAS please visit the European Commission website.

Resource Efficiency East Environmental Management Systems (EMS) Club

Resource Efficiency East is offering eligible businesses free support in EMS implementation, by providing dedicated training and support to guide your businesses through the EMS implementation process.  The free support includes;

• A place at a series of ten monthly half-day training workshops.
• All the necessary guidance, tools and templates required to develop the required EMS documentation and records; and
• Further direct support from Resource Efficiency East EMS experts. 

For further information on Improving your Resource Efficiency in the East of England. 

For further information on the EMS Club and how to register visit Resource Efficiency East.   

Other sources of information

Business Link provides details on how to plan and implement an EMS.

Netregs provides further information on benefits, key elements and types of EMS.