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Environmental Management Systems (EMS) What they are, how to get one and how to get the most from it John Buckley Managing Director Carbon Footprint Ltd john.buckley@carbonfootprint.com 01256 345645. Content. Carbon Footprint Ltd What is an EMS? Why have one?
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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
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…
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!
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
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
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
ISO14001 vs EMAS In summary EMAS more stringent and rigorous ISO 14001 is in general more widely recognised
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
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
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
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.
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
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!
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
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/
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!
Thank you Need some help? Feel free to give me a call… John Buckley Carbon Footprint Ltd 01256 345645 john.buckley@carbonfootprint.com