EMS: pros & cons

Question 1

Why do orgs follow an EMS standard?

Answer 1

• Meeting compliance obligations (legal and non-legal)
• Improving env. performance continually - structured way
• Stakeholder analysis; needs and expectations of interested parties
• Identify and manage risks and opportunities
• Adress staff training
• Involve top management; strong commitment, long-term focus, resource allocation, coordination
• Set roles, responsibilities and authorities
• Support business strategy (market competitiveness, cost savings - resource efficiency etc.)
• Generate data from internal and external communication and reporting
• Increase employee engagement

Question 2

Give examples of legal and non-legal compliance obligations

Answer 2

Legal: regulations, contracts, license requirements
Non-legal: policies, procedures, industry best practices, expectations of stakeholders

Question 3

What types of risks are there?

Answer 3

Legal, financial, environmental, operational, reputational

Question 4

Provide examples of opportunities for an org.

Answer 4

operational improvements, innovation, improved market position etc.

Question 5

Why don’t orgs. follow an EMS?

Answer 5

• High initial investments (training, documentation, technology upgrades)
• Lack of awareness and understanding; how to do it and why?
• short-term focus; no direct paybacks
• cultural/organizational resistance; well established practices may need to change a lot (time, money, effort). Lack of engagement
• No pressure from stakeholders and interested parties / compliance obligations
• Competing priorities, e.g. more focus on quality and safety
• Seeing no competitive advantage