Chapter 6 - Environmental management Systems 2 Flashcards
What is EMAS
The Eco-Management and Audit Scheme is an environmental management scheme based on EU-Regulation
its a regulation - so a must
The first step of the implementation process of a EMAS is environmental reviews, what must organisations do?
identify env. aspects of their manufacturing process, activities or services and create a criteria to asses the significance of those aspects, it has to be comprehensive and it must be possible to verify them independently - it will have to show the aspects they identfify and the results to the stakeholders.
initial comprehensive analysis of the organization’s activities, products and services and their environmental impact;
This is a bit of a review but what is part of a env. policy and a env. program and the checking the operations
env. policy had to include the commitments to comply with legal regulations, preventing pollution, and improving env. performance
env. program is often in the table form, that covers the env. objectives for the direct and indirect aspects, the specific measurable targets to achieve objectives, actions, responsibilities and means and timeframe for each target. whos responsible, current state, final result we want, frequency of monitoring etc.
checking the operations includes rolled responsibilities and communication as well as documentation and monitoring and measuring, evaluation of legal compliance, corrective and preventive actions, control of records
the Environmental management system, but it also includes the internal audit/management review, what must organisations do?
EMS system will be defined later in more detail
the management review is then when top management meets annually to review the effectiveness, if they have complied legally, if there are complaints, if objectives and targets have been met.
Environmental statement, what is that?
This is unique to EMAS. It is for the public, that affirms(states publicly) the firms commitment to taking action for the environment, for the firm its a good opportunity to state what it is doing to improve the environment.
Verification and validation procedure, what is that?
Verification is made by an env. verifier to demonstrate whether the organisations review, policy, EMS, and internal audit and its implementation fulfil the requirements of this regulation
Validation is the confirmation of the environmental verifier that did the verification that the info and data of the organizations env. statement and updated statements are reliable, and correct and meet the requirements of the regulation
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Registration, what is that?
once everything has been done and verified, they can apply to the competent body for registration
Why is EMAS the premium environmental management tool ?
It adds elements on top of ISO 14001, its a more credible and robust environmental management tool
whats the relationship between ISO and EMAS
ISO requirements are integral part of EMAS, but EMAS takes into account additional elements to support organisations that
In the implementation process, what are parts that are unique to EMAS?
The first, 3,4,5 part. So environmental review, environmental statement, verification and validation, registration
In legal status, the difference of EMAS and ISO?
EMAS is an EU Regulation, ISO is an International, commercial standard under private law
Is EMAS Globally Applicable?
yes
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What’s the difference between EMAS and ISO in terms of the focus and objective?
EMAS is the improvement of the env. performance of the organization
ISO is the improvement of the Env. Management System
For EMAS how do environmental verifiers exist?
Environmental verifiers are accredited/licensed and supervised by governmental bodies, and the independence of environmental verifiers is required
Is the internal audit part of the implementation process for EMAS, a report that is prepared that is then given to the top management in the management review section?
yes
What is ISO 14031
gives guidance on the design and use of environmental performance evaluation, and on identification and selection of environmental performance indicators, for use by all organizations, regardless of type, size, location and complexity
Environmental Performance Evaluation (EPE) provides a robust and repeatable process to compare past and present environmental performance using KPIs. It helps organizations determine trends, evaluate risk and identify its strategic objectives and targets.
Why is there a family of 14000, so 14001, etc.
to promote effective EMS in organizations, The standards seek to provide cost-effective tools that make use of best practices for organizing and applying information about environmental management.
What are IMS (integrated management systems)?
it summarizes methods and instruments for compliance from different fields, so if you want in quality apply ISO 9001, if you want a management system for the environment then use ISO 14001
What is the Goal of ISO 14001?
encourage the systematic imporvement of environmental management system, and sets the criteria for a EMS
How can you get ISO 14001 certified?
through an independent agent like a organization or specific facilities
what does ISO specify on rather something else?
Focuses on management processes rather than specific environmental
outcomes (not setting performance standards)
what does ISO specify on rather something else?
Focuses on management processes rather than specific environmental
outcomes (not setting performance standards)
5 effects of ISO (from book real life thing)
lower costs,
increased competitiveness,
market share growth,
higher profits,
and regulatory compliance
difference of EMAS and ISO in public disclosure topic?
EMAS requires that the environmental policy and programs be made public,
whereas ISO 14001 only
requires that the firm’s makes a environmental policy , its not required to be public