Basics of an EMS
An Environmental Management System (EMS) helps an organization address its regulatory requirements in a systematic and cost-effective manner. This proactive approach can help reduce the risk of non-compliance and improve health and safety practices for employees and the public. An EMS can also help address non-regulated issues, such as energy conservation, and can promote stronger operational control and employee stewardship. Basic Elements of an EMS include the following:
- Reviewing the organization's environmental goals;
- Analyzing its environmental impacts and compliance obligations (or legal and other requirements);
- Setting environmental objectives and targets to reduce environmental impacts and conform with compliance obligations;
- Establishing programs to meet these objectives and targets;
- Monitoring and measuring progress in achieving the objectives;
- Ensuring employees' environmental awareness and competence; and,
- Reviewing progress of the EMS and achieving improvements.
For additional information about EMSs, visit the following links: