ISO 14001 Environmental Management System

http://www.iso14000store.com

All business, regardless of size and activity, has some impact on the environment. An Environment Management System (EMS) is a tool that allows a company identify and address their particular environmental impacts.

Environmental issues should not be considered in isolation to other management issues. By adopting an EMS a company is making a commitment to incorporate environmental issues into existing management systems.

Environmental management is based on the concept of continuous improvement in environmental performance over time. An EMS will continuously change as a company changes, for example as a business expands and takes on new staff. The EMS must also take account of external factors, such as changes in environmental legislation, technology, and market competition.

Ultimately the aim of the environmental management approach adopted by a company is to prevent or minimise the environmental impacts of operations, while retaining competitiveness. Environmental management is more than simply managing environmental impacts after they are created. Effective environmental management should aim to prevent or minimise the environmental impacts in the first place.

All companies are under increasing pressure to ensure the proper management of the environmental impacts of their activities. Small businesses are subject to increasingly stringent environmental legislation, reflecting the increasing importance of environmental issues in political debate. Customers, suppliers, staff and the general public increasingly demand a commitment from business to better manage the environmental impacts of their activities.

Benefits of an EMS include:

- Cost savings from reduced raw material and resource consumption, e.g. better management of your energy and water needs and consumption.

- Reduced waste collection, treatment and disposal costs.

- Compliance with legal obligations.

- Reduced risk and liability associated with poor environmental performance.

- Improved relationships with key stake holders e.g. customers, suppliers, staff, regulatory authorities and local communities.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• ISO 14001
• ISO 14000