Environmental Management Systems

Abu Khairul BasharEmail: abukhairulbashar@gmail.com

Department of Environmental SciencesJahangirnagar University,

Savar, Dhaka-1342

An EMS is a set of management processes and procedures that allows an organization to evaluate, control, and reduce the environmental impacts of its activities, products, and services and operate with greater efficiency and control.

According to ISO 14001 - “The part of the overall management system that includes organizational structure, planning activities, responsibilities, practices, procedures, processes and resources for developing, implementing, achieving, reviewing and maintaining the environmental policy.”

Environmental Management System

Features of EMS

An environmental management system (EMS):

₡ Serves as a tool, or process, to improve environmental performance and information mainly "design, pollution control and waste minimization, training, reporting to top management, and the setting of goals"

₡ Provides a systematic way of managing an organization’s environmental affairs

₡ Is the aspect of the organization’s overall management structure that addresses immediate and long-term impacts of its products, services and processes on the environment. EMS assists with planning, controlling and monitoring policies in an organization.

₡ Encourages contractors and suppliers to establish their own EMS.

₡ Creates environmental buy-in from management and employees and assigns accountability and responsibility

₡ Sets framework for training to achieve objectives and desired performance.

₡ Focuses on continual improvement of the system and a way to implement policies and objectives to meet a desired result. This also helps with reviewing and auditing the EMS to find future opportunities.

Continuous….

ISO 14001◘ ISO 14001 sets out the criteria for an environmental management system. It does not state

requirements for environmental performance, but maps out a framework that a company or organization can follow to set up an effective environmental management system. Certification in meeting this standard allows companies to claim state-of-the-art ecological responsibility.

◘ ISO 14001 is relevant to any organization seeking to improve and manage resources more effectively. This includes:

Single site to large multi-national companies High risk companies to low risk service organizations Manufacturing, process and the service industries; including local governments All industry sectors including public and private sectors Original equipment manufacturers and their suppliers.

Phase I: Getting Started

Phase II: Plan

Phase III: Do

Phase IV: Check and Act

Purpose of an EMS

An EMS brings together the people, policies, plans, review mechanisms, and procedures used to manage environmental issues at a facility or in an organization.

17 Requirements of ISO 14001:2004 standard

1. Environmental Policy2. Environmental Aspects and Impacts 3. Legal and Other Requirements4. Objectives and Targets and Environmental

Management Program5. Structure and Responsibility  6. Training, Awareness and Competence7. Communication8. EMS Documentation

i. Document Controlii. Operational Controliii. Emergency Preparedness and Response iv. Monitoring and Measuringv. Evaluation of Compliance vi. Nonconformance and Corrective and Preventivevii. Records viii. EMS Audit ix. Management Review

Why do organizations need an EMS?

₠ Helps to prevent enforcement or civil actions ₠ Reduces hidden costs associated with legal action ₠ Improves operational and process efficiency ₠ Reduces operating costs and resource use thereby increasing profitability ₠ Reduces outlay on waste disposal ₠ Gives the college a long-term sustainable future ₠ Develops relationships with stakeholders by satisfying investors', lenders', and insurers'

environmental performance requirements ₠ Reduces pollution and improves the environment

The Reasons are as follows –

Benefits of ISO 14001

► Minimizing trade barriers and related complications► Increasing company competitiveness► Supporting a worldwide focus on environmental management► Reducing cost of waste management► Lowering consumption of energy and materials► Reducing distribution costs► Improving corporate image among regulators, customers and the

public► Creating a framework for continuous improvement of your

environmental performance► Allowing a single management system and process

Implementing an EMS

Travis Perkins chose ISO 14001 as the basis of its Environmental Management System because this standard:

• Is internationally recognized and respected

• Involves regular independent audits

The Travis Perkins ISO 14001 EMS consists of several linked components.

Registrar of Legislation

Environmental Policy

Registrar of Environmental

Aspects

Environmental Management Procedures

Environmental Improvement Plan

Key Performance IndicatorsTraining Materials

Action Lists and Responsibilities

Environmental Operating Procedure

Steps to Develop an EMS

₢ Appoint A Green Manager ₢ Set Up an Environmental Management System ₢ Carry Out An Initial Environmental Audit ₢ Define An Environmental Policy ₢ Establish Environmental Objectives And Targets

The Three C’s of an Effective EMS

Conformance -Meets the requirements

Consistency -Various elements inter-related

Continual Improvement -Mechanisms in place to improve, cultural change, management commitment

  

To Whom do the Standards Apply?

The ISO 14000 standards can be applied to:

Ѣ large and small business & industry;Ѣ Service sectors (hospitals, hotels, etc.);Ѣ government organizations;Ѣ All types of organizations, of all sizes anywhere in the world.

  

Thank You