What is an Environmental Management System?
An environmental management system is a framework meant to assist organisations in monitoring, controlling, and continually improving their environmental performance. Organisations can use the framework as an organisational principle to create their environmental strategy. For example, risk assessments will be carried out to assist in determining the context of your environmental impact. Controls and methods to limit these risks will then be implemented.
An Environmental Management System is one of the most effective strategies to reduce an organization’s environmental impact, and it is increasingly in demand by stakeholders and environmental organisations.
Regardless of size, region, industry, or stage of environmental journey, all companies can benefit from deploying an Environmental Management System (EMS). When an organisation implements an EMS, it takes into account all environmental challenges that are important to its operations. This includes, but is not limited to, resource utilisation, energy and water use, waste production, carbon emissions, & effective local biodiversity.
Continue reading to learn what an environmental management system is and how it might benefit your company.
ISO14001:2015
ISO 14001 is the most commonly utilised environmental management standard in the world, with over 420,000 ISO14001 certificates given each year.
The standard is produced by the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO), an international organisation that develops and disseminates globally accepted standards. Rather than creating environmental performance requirements, it gives a robust framework for implementing an environmental management system. The ISO14001 certification advocates the adoption of the Plan Do Check Act (PDCA) technique, which is an iterative cycle aimed at continuously improving an organization’s environmental performance.
Now let us discuss about the Benefits of Implementing an Environmental Management System (EMS):
Environmental Performance & Compliance
To begin with, creating an Environmental Management System will assist an organisation in taking the essential steps to control environmental hazards and strive for continuous development. Implementing essential controls and obtaining third-party auditing will establish compliance with current and future legislative requirements. If properly implemented, it may elevate environmental concerns to a major value within your firm, increasing leadership and employee commitment in your sustainability journey.
Business Reputation
Implementing an Environmental Management System can increase your organization’s reputation and stakeholder confidence. Your important stakeholders will know that you are accredited to a high level if you receive certification from the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO). This demonstrates that you are concerned about your organization’s environmental impact.
Reduces Operational Costs
An Environmental Management System’s thorough implementation procedures can give businesses a competitive and financial advantage. An EMS analyses how your company uses resources and suggests strategies to cut back on things like waste for more effective resource usage.
Opportunities to reduce wasteful consumption will present themselves throughout the process, which will lower expenses. For instance, reducing your energy consumption will result in lower gas or electricity costs.
Improve Employee Morale
Employees are wanting to share their core values with their companies, and environmental action is one of them. Employees are increasingly looking for firms to fulfil their sustainability obligations, and this can frequently be a determining factor for potential employees when choosing a company to work for. By hiring those who share your values, your organisation is more likely to diversify and improve its skill set.
Conclusion
Any organisation can gain from an environmental management system because it offers the framework for real, lasting change. Your business will have the chance to consistently boost environmental standards and policies and have a beneficial influence on both people and the environment by putting into place a system of continuous improvement.
NIST – What we offer for EMS?
We offer the following International courses on Environmental Management
- NEBOSH International Diploma in Environmental Management
- IEMA Environmental Sustainability Skills for the Workforce
- IEMA Environmental Sustainability Skills for Managers
- Pathways to Net Zero
Also, NIST has provided consulting services to a variety of businesses, assisting them in obtaining their ISO 14001:2015 Certification. Please contact NIST @ +91 8754465588 / info@nistglobal.com if you believe an environmental management system might be beneficial for your career or your company.