Introduction to Environmental Management Systems (EMS)

1. Introduction to Environmental Management Systems (EMS) Sheena Fisher Principal Environmental Consultant sheena.fisher@srfenvironmental.com

2. Overview of Presentation • What is an EMS? • Why organisations seek EMS Certification? • ISO 14001, EMAS and BS 8555 • Certification • Things to be aware of

3. What is an EMS? • An EMS is a systematic approach to manage an organisation’s impact on the environment. • Its simply a tool to improve environmental performance. • An EMS is; • Voluntary • Provides standard procedures and mechanisms designed to support continual improvement

4. Provides a framework for an organisation to meet their environmental goals and objectives • Provides confidence that an organisation is addressing all issues related to its impact on the environment • Flexible and adaptable • Encourages prevention of pollution • Leads to consistent and comprehensive environmental management

5. Why Organisations Seek EMS Certification? Customer and supplier requirement To improve your resource efficiency To improve operational efficiency You export to a market where EMS certification is a requirement To get a competitive advantage To demonstrate environmental excellence to major stakeholders To enhance legal compliance To increase employee environmental awareness To improve public perceptions

6. ISO 14001 International standard, first published in 1996 and revised in 2004 Most widely used EMS, over 6,000 organisations certified in UK and 110,000 worldwide (138 countries) Full Management System based on Plan-Do-Check-Act model Must demonstrate compliance with legal and other requirements Must demonstrate continual improvement All elements must be subjected to internal audit and Management Review

7. EMAS Eco Management and Audit Scheme European Scheme Although voluntary it was initially established by EU Regulation 1836/93/EC which was replaced by Council Regulation 1221/2009 Full management system as ISO 14001 Plus publically available Environmental Report which requires external verification Objectives and performance becomes publically available Limited uptake in the UK

8. BS 8555 Established in 2003 6 phased implementation approach to achieving ISO 14001 or EMAS Each phase requires external inspection and certification After successful completion of each phase the IEMA Acorn certification is awarded and company details published on the IEMA Acorn Register Widely used by small and medium sized enterprises

9. Certification The extent of recognition is determined by the organisation, can be an in-house EMS or an independently certified EMS Independent certification demonstrates that an EMS stands up to external audit and scrutiny Generally considered to represent a more robust system. Ensure the certification body is UKAS accredited to ensure their competency, impartiality and performance capability

10. Things to be aware of! Commitment from Senior management and all staff are essential Staff and management time is required Environmental review process may highlight areas where further work/cost will be required such as provision of spill kits, monitoring equipments Potential consulting assistance Certification cost

11. SRF Environmental can support you to implement a cost-effective and economically viable EMS that will work in harmony with your organisation’s functions. If external certification is your ultimate goal, we will offer you a first time pass guarantee Please give us a call on 0800 0122 459 or 0787 0823 118 or visit www.srfenvironmental.com

12. Thanks for your time Any Questions? Sheena Fisher Principal Environmental Consultant sheena.fisher@srfenvironmental.com