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Environmental Management Systems (EMS): What They Are and How to Get the Most from Them

This presentation provides an overview of Environmental Management Systems (EMS), including what they are, why they are important, and how to implement them. It also covers different standards and certifications, tips for audits, and the upcoming ISO14001:2015 standard.

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Environmental Management Systems (EMS): What They Are and How to Get the Most from Them

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  1. Environmental Management Systems (EMS)What they are, how to get one and how to get the most from it John BuckleyManaging DirectorCarbon Footprint Ltdjohn.buckley@carbonfootprint.com01256 345645

  2. Content • Carbon Footprint Ltd • What is an EMS? • Why have one? • Types of Standards & Certifications • The Main Components of ISO14001 • Tips for Audits • Costs to get it? • ISO14001:2015 coming soon…

  3. Why was I asked to present today? Carbon Footprint Ltd • Specialist sustainability consultancy • Carbon management experts • Help organisations with their EMS systems • We’ve had ISO14001 certification for 6 years • We’re a multi award winning company • And we’re a growing SME based in North Hampshire!

  4. What is an Environmental Management System (EMS)? • A documented framework for managing an organisation's significant environmental impacts • It is driven by continuous improvement • Can be set up by an organisation of any size, in any sector • Voluntary but increasingly demanded by customers • Can be formal (certified) or informal

  5. Why bother with an EMS? • Customers demanding it • Pre Qualification Questionnaires (PQQs) • Tender documents • Help ensure Legal Compliance • Improved resource efficiency – reduce costs • Engage staff, shareholders and other stakeholders • Manage climate change risks / adaptation • Improve brand and reputation • May increase the value of your business - decreases environmental risks

  6. Key EMS Standards • BS 8555 • Guide to the phased implementation of an environmental management system including the use of environmental performance evaluation • IEMA Acorn Scheme • ISO 14001 • the international standard for Environmental Management • EMAS • the Eco-Management and Audit Scheme

  7. ISO14001 vs EMAS In summary EMAS more stringent and rigorous ISO 14001 is in general more widely recognised

  8. Which Standard is Right for You? Key considerations: • What do your customers ask for? • Recognition within your industry/competitor uptake? • Geographical markets - ISO for international • Public scrutiny (EMAS) • Efficiency and cost reduction - ISO 14001 can be integrated with existing ISO 9000 and ISO 18000 systems (can be audited together) • Size of company - some SMEs may prefer BS 8555 - a phased approach with more guidance

  9. Preparing for ISO 14001 • Buy the requirements document • http://www.iso.org/iso/home/standards/management-standards/iso14000.htm • Costs about £170 • Define the Scope • Identify your environmental impacts • Key Documents: • Environmental Policy • Environmental Objectives • Legislation register • Action Plan • Management Meeting Minutes • Internal Audit Plans and Minutes

  10. Top Tips… • Layout your top level EMS documentation with the same headings and structure given in ISO 14001 Requirements • ensure you have addressed each requirement • makes the audits easier– as your top level document has everything in it and in the same order that the auditor is likely to follow • Keep it short and simple • Stay top level • Make sure it is aligned to your business objectives and needs • Don’t be tempted to over commit

  11. Role out to your teams • Everyone needs to know about it (in general) • Everyone needs to know what required of them • Communicate the system • Reasons why it is important • Its goals • Progress • Updates • Make sure senior management is bought into it • It needs to be covered in an annual management review • They are key targets for an external auditor • Make sure key teams use it to their benefit • Marketing and Sales • Finance • Facilities • Etc.

  12. ISO 14001 Certification • Make sure you use an UKAS accredited auditor ! • http://www.ukas.org/CertificationBodies/schedules/EMS/0003Environmental%20Management%20Systems.pdf • Examples of companies that are: BSI, LRQA, SGS etc. ✔ • Examples of companies that aren’t: QMS International plc ✖ • Stage 1 Audit • Checks you have systems and processes in place • Focus is on the scope and documentation • Stage 2 Audit • Final audit to ensure systems and processes are being used • Annual Audits

  13. Top Tips for audits… • Make sure everyone in the company is aware of external audits • Anyone could be asked a question! • Only answer the question the auditor asks. • Aim to keep answers short • Don’t over embellish your answers (unless specifically asked to) • Don’t try and waste time (if the auditor needs more time it will cost you and set a precedence for future audits) • Remember you are the Auditor’s customer (you’re paying them, so make sure you get value for money!) • They have lots of experience • They will give you ideas on how to improve the system going forward • Listen and take notes!

  14. How long does it take to get an ISO 14001 certified EMS and what are the typical costs? • Duration and costs depend on: • Scope – e.g. how many sites to be certified? • Size of the company? • What systems do you already have in place? • In-house vs External consultant? • An EMS can be designed, developed and implemented in a month - it is the maintenance and the communication of the system that take time to embed • The external audit depends on the company as well as scope of your system (ca £750 - £5,000+ per year) • Savings can be made through integrating systems, e.g. ISO 14001 with ISO 9001

  15. ISO 14001:2015 is on its way… • The new draft standard is now available • An update should be available mid-2015- main revisions are: • The revisions will also be in line with a new high-level structure for all management system standards adopted by ISO (allows easy integration to other management systems) • Incorporation with other business processes such as finance and Human Resources • Full Senior level buy-in and involvement • Increase focus on climate change and business resilience - particularly adaptation (i.e. key risks and how the business will respond) • 2 – 3 year transition phase for companies who already have ISO14001:2004 http://www.bsigroup.com/en-GB/iso-14001-environmental-management/ISO-14001-revision/

  16. In Summary, Running an Effective EMS will help you with… • Ensure regulatory compliance  • More effective use of resources  • Marketing& PR • Investment • increased sales opportunities  Time to go and get one for your business!

  17. Thank you Need some help? Feel free to give me a call… John Buckley Carbon Footprint Ltd 01256 345645 john.buckley@carbonfootprint.com

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