ENVIRONMENT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM- ISO14001: 2004

What is EMS ISO14001?

Of all the standards within the ISO 14000 series, ISO 14001 is the standard that specifies the requirements for an organization's EMS. The Environmental Management System (EMS) document is the central document controlling the interaction of the core elements in the organization, and provides a third-party auditor with the key information necessary to understand the environmental management systems in place. It is a "tool" that enables an organization of any size or type to control the impact of its activities, products or services on the environment. As in the case of ISO 9001, the key to a successful ISO 14001 EMS is having documented procedures that are implemented and maintained so that they describe environmental goals and their place in all other company-wide activities. ISO 14001 standards require sites to document and make an Environmental Policy available to the public. In addition, procedures should be established for a continuous review of the environmental aspects and the impacts of products, activities, and services. Based on these environmental aspects and impacts, then goals and objectives are established that are consistent with the environmental policy. As with a QMS, Internal Audits of the EMS should be conducted routinely to ensure that non-conformances in the system are identified and addressed. In addition, the management review process must be in place to ensure top management's involvement in the assessment of EMS.

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM





TISO14001 requires an Environmental Policy to be in existence within the organisation, fully supported by senior management, and outlining the policies of the company, not only to the staff but to the public. The policy needs to clarify compliance with Environmental Legislation that may effect the organization and stress a commitment to continuous improvement. Emphasis has been placed on policy as this provides the direction for the remainder of the Management System.

The company will declare its primary environmental objectives, those that can have most environmental impact. In order to gain most benefit these will become the primary areas of consideration within the improvement process, and the company's environmental program. The program will be the plan to achieve specific goals or targets along the route to a specific goal and describe the means to reach those objectives such that they are real and achievable. The Environmental Management System or EMS provides further detail on the environmental program. The EMS establishes procedures, work instructions and controls to ensure that implementation of the policy and achievement of the targets can become a reality. Communication is a vital factor, enabling people in the organisation to be aware of their responsibilities, aware of the objectives of the scheme, and able to contribute to its success.

As with ISO9000 the Environmental Management System requires a planned comprehensive periodic audit of the Environmental Management System to ensure that it is effective in operation, is meeting specified goals, and the system continues to perform in accordance with relevant regulations and standards. The audits are designed to provide additional information in order to exercise effective management of the system, providing information on practices which differ to the current procedures or offer an opportunity for improvement.

In addition to audit, there is a requirement for Management Review of the system to ensure that it is suitable (for the organization and the objectives) and effective in operation. The management review is the ideal forum to make decisions on how to improve for the future.


BENEFITS OF ECO-MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS

The benefits of an effective environmental management system can be realised in :-

Cost Savings

Successful environmental management will evaluate all opportunities for cost savings, the most common benefits derive from a review of resource/ energy utilisation and its efficiency, forcing full consideration of alternative energy sources and their cost effectiveness. The other primary element will be minimisation of waste and result and cost of disposal.


Customer Requirements

Many companies have addressed the management system for customer requirements related to quality and ISO9000. The range and diversity of customer needs and expectations is constantly growing with many customers increasing preference for use of suppliers and sub-contractors who can demonstrate that they are good environmental citizens. No customer would want to risk a tarnished reputation (or non-compliance to legislation) from the poor environmental performance of their suppliers and sub-contractors. The safest option for the customer is to use suppliers and sub-contractors who can demonstrate their positive environmental performance.


Corporate Image

The ability to demonstrate a responsible environmental attitude can dramatically improve the image of the corporation fostering better relations with the company's stake holders. Even more importantly, adverse publicity about the organisations environmental performance is always highly damaging.


Legislation

The scope and severity of environmental legislation is ever increasing. A management system that ensures recognition of the requirements and compliance with them will ensure that fines are avoided and staff are not imprisoned in addition to avoidance of the publicity that inevitably follows an environmental prosecution.


Investment

The investors are increasingly moving to green portfolio's, and it is interesting that the financial performance of these portfolio's has been good in comparison to more traditional investment. In seeking additional investment for the organisation it is sensible to ensure the widest scope and this is only aided by a demonstrably sound environmental performance.


Insurance

Insurance companies are fully aware of the risk to their policies from poor environmental performance of the insured. Companies with a sound and effective environmental management system are able to demonstrate that they pose less risk to the insurance company and creates a negotiating tool for lower premiums. Some insurance companies now require an environmental audit of the company prior to agreeing cover.


Marketing Opportunities

All companies seeking growth obviously want their product and services attractive to a widest possible market. Poor environmental performance will encourage many potential customers to decide not to buy from the company, good environmental performance will ensure continuation of the widest possible market.

AWARENESS TRAINING & INTERNAL AUDITOR'S TRAINING:

Apart from setting up a system for EMS ISO 14001: 2004 Certification, SSA also conducts 1 Day session on Executive Overview/ Awareness on EMS 14001: 2004; and 2 Days session on Internal Auditor's Training.