An EMS is a
systematic approach for managing an organization’s environmental issues and
opportunities. The essential characteristic of an EMS is that its various components
interact and interrelate to provide measurable and controllable information,which
enables continuous learning and improvements. The “Systems Approach†means that
processes are stable and repeatable, yield more predictable outcomes and adapt
new learning to continuous improvement. The key system components of an EMS are
:
An
Environmental Policy Statements (EPS) actively promoted by top management;
Planning
Process oriented towards integration of environment with organization’s business
and operations management;
An
organizational structure responsibilities and accountability;
Implementation
Systems and operational controls;
Measurement
and auditing systems;
Systems for
periodic Top management review of the EMS.
ISO 14000
standards help the organizations in
1. Managing
their interactions and interrelations with the environment in a more effective
and systematic manner: These standards provide a roadmap to an effective EMS
which when properly applied, allows an organization to identify, prioritize and
manage those aspects of its interacting and interrelating activities with the
environment that are covered by environmental regulations as well as those that
extend beyond the requirements of environmental regulations.
2. Saving
money and staff time required to manage their environmental affairs: These
standards emphasize a preventive approach to environmental management based on
the principle of continuous learning and improvement. Many organizations have found
that in implementing these principles they improve their environmental
performance and also save resources.
3. Relating
effectively to their neighboring communities and other stakeholders: Many
organizations have found that an EMS provides a very useful mechanism to engage
their neighboring communities and stakeholders in their environmental
management programs.
4. Improving
the image among customers and stakeholders: By managing their environmental
affairs more effectively and in a manner that engages their customers and
stakeholders, organizations have found that they improve their image among
these groups with important indirect benefits to all aspects of their
operations.
5.Engaging in
a process of continuous learning and improvement: These EMS standards structure
emphasizes a process of continuous learning and improvement. Organizations have
found that a key benefit of implementing an EMS is their ability to “learn by
doingâ€.
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