The management of any industrial operation requires control over the effect it is having on the environment. It must also be able to demonstrate that these controls are in place. One such method of demonstrating and maintaining this environmental control is to implement an Environmental Management System (EMS).

Environmental issues arising from the operation of a company or organisation must be managed with the same commitment as is given to quality and financial issues. As a result of legislation and increased awareness and expectations, from all parties regarding environmental performance, companies must now demonstrate control of environmental practice. An increasing number of companies are demonstrating such control, while at the same time turning environmental constraints to their advantage, by implementing an Environmental Management System.

An Environmental Management System helps an organisation gain a competitive advantage from the improvements made and allows them to communicate their progress to the general public and to customers. Environmental Management Systems such as ISO 14001 will soon be an integral part of the supplier customer chain just as the ISO 9000 quality management systems is today. There can be no doubt that for companies to succeed in the next century they will have to manage their environmental impacts, comply with environmental legislation and come to terms with consumers who are becoming increasingly environmentally aware.

What is an Environmental Management System (EMS)?

An EMS is a systematic and documented method of demonstrating and maintaining environmental control within an organisation. The International Organisation for Standardization (ISO) has developed the ISO 14001 standard, the requirement for an Environmental Management System (EMS). The ISO 14001 standard is the comprehensive environmental version of ISO 9000.

ISO 14001 is a system of voluntary compliance measures that enhances environmental compliance throughout the world. It does not focus on specific environmental regulations, but rather sets guidelines for an Environmental Management System.

ISO 14001 is a management standard designed to identify environmental issues in a company and to put in place a system to manage their impact. It is part of the overall management system which includes the organisational structure, responsibilities, practices, procedures, processes and resources for implementing and reviewing the environmental policy of the organization.

ISO 14001 compliance will help companies safeguard the environment, increase competitive advantages and improve public relations with regulatory agencies, customers and the community.

Benefits of ISO 14001

A number of positive benefits arise from the operation of ISO 14001 Environmental Management System (EMS) which include:

Increased Profits as a result of :

• Reduced use of resources e.g. energy, raw materials, water etc.
• Reduced waste disposal costs
• Reduced insurance costs

Improved Image

• By demonstrating concern for the environment
• By increased credibility through international recognition of your company’s actions
• By improved relations with neighbours, customers, employees and environmental regulators

Better Environmental Performance as a result of:

• Management control of environmental activities
• Minimization of environmental risk
• Legal and regulatory compliance
• A programme of continual improvement

It has been 12 years since ISO 9000 was introduced and presently there are approx. 1,600 companies accredited to ISO 9000 in Ireland. The uptake in ISO 14001 world-wide and is at a much higher level than for ISO 9000 at a similar stage of development.