Chapter 11

Question 1

Define EMS.

Answer 1

An Environmental Management System is one of the most efficient ways to reduce an organization’s environmental impact and is increasingly sought after by stakeholders and environmental bodies. All organizations can benefit from implementing an Environmental Management System (EMS), regardless of size, geography, industry, or stage of their environmental journey.

Question 1

Explain the process of EMS.

Answer 1

There are three primary processes within an Environmental Management System:
1. Core processes – identifying significant environmental aspects and impacts of your company
2. Supporting processes – like awareness of legal requirements, infrastructure, communicating EMS information for employee competency, and monitoring and evaluating environmental performance
3. Management system supporting processes – including document control, record keeping and internal auditing.

Question 2

State the key elements of EMS.

Answer 2

The key elements of an Environmental Management System include:
1. Analyzing the environmental impact of your company
2. Reviewing your company’s environmental goals
3. Assessing compliance and/or legal obligations
4. Setting environmental objectives and targets
5. Establishing practices and protocols to achieve those targets
6. Ensuring employees are aware of environmental goals and compliance
7. Reviewing, evaluating and improving the EMS.

Question 3

What are the benefits of EMS?

Answer 3

• Ensuring a holistic approach to environmental impacts
• Focusing on only critical aspects and processes
• Making use of time-tested, mature approaches recognized worldwide
• Establishing positive relationships with regulators
• Corporate reputation and image
• Lower environmentally related costs and fees
• Increased access to new customers
• Direct savings through environmental source reduction

Question 4

What is ISO 14000.

Answer 4

ISO 14000 is a set of standards created to help companies around the world reduce their adverse impact on the environment. It’s a framework for improved and more environmentally-conscious quality management systems by organizations large and small.