Environmental Management Systems (EMS)

An environmental management system (EMS) is an overall structure that focuses on the short and long-term impact of an organization's products, services, and processes on the environment. The EMS ensures order and consistency by guiding the organization in the sharing of resources, assignments of responsibilities, and providing ongoing evaluation of practices, procedures, and processes.

The demands of Environmental Regulation means that it makes eminent sense to have an Environmental Management System in place. Not only does this demonstrate a desire to manage in an environmentally sensitive manner, but will also help the relationship with an organizations environmental regulators - usually the Environment Agency. By demonstrating intent to manage in an environmentally sound way, in the event that something does go wrong, it may be possible to limit the liability, and whilst insurers are reluctant to reduce premiums, they may not increase them.

However, with many companies wanting to demonstrate Continuous Improvement, there is a growing move to encourage suppliers to demonstrate their environmental performance, and it is becoming more common for customers to require their suppliers to prove their environmental credentials. DMC can help develop Environmental Management Systems to satisfy those requirements. In addition, where systems implementations is required, we can help with the development and management of those systems such as ISO 14001 as well as ISO9001.

It is also worth noting that it is often said that a sound Environmental System can help with cost savings. It is not unknown for companies to be able to demonstrate at least a 10% saving on waste alone.

Environmental Management System Implementation

• Consultation with client regarding Environmental Objectives
• Writing and agreeing an Environmental Policy
• Agree client's targets and objectives
• Assessment of client's Aspects and Impacts
• Document client's Aspects and Impacts
• Agree Roles and Responsibilities
• Identify all legal and other considerations
• Compile a Legal Register
• Provide a documented system to address all EMS headings
• Conduct environmental training to include the provision of training records
• Set up an internal auditing system
• Provide training for internal auditors if required

Advice on Environmental Management System Implementation

• Understand the client's objectives
• Review existing policies and procedures
• Provide advice on ways to improve and develop

Management of an Environmental Management System

• Maintain the Aspects and Impacts Register
• Maintain the Legal Register
• Conduct regular reviews of procedures and work instructions
• Conduct internal audits
• Review training requirements and provide training as required
• Manage and maintain environmental resources
• Provide monthly (periodical) environmental reports
• Facilitate an Environmental Management Steering Committee
• Ensure all external environmental reporting requirements are met
• Liaise with regulatory bodies - i.e. Environment Agency, Local Authority
• Liaise with third party environmental consultants such as the Carbon Trust