Environmental Management System (EMS)
EMS can be defined as a systematic process to prescribe and implement
environmental objectives, policies and responsibilities including regular audit to monitor performance of each of the element of the environmental management system. An ems is regarded as a set transparent and systematic management processes with the ultimate aim to enable an organization to continually reduce its unfavourable impact on the natural environment.
Four pillars of EMS Adoption 1) A written Environmental Policy
Main idea is to secure organizational commitment for a responsible environmental management
To strive for continuous improvement on environmental issues To prevent pollution
To comply with the relevant environmental legislation.
2) Environmental Performance indicators and goals
Continuous organizational commitment to implement and take into effect the earlier environmental policy.
Management will find ways to translate its written environmental pledge into actions by identifying its environmental impacts and setting management objectives and targets for achieving its environmental goals.
3) Environment Training Program
To ensure the employees have the right understanding and shared wisdom about the environmental concerns.
Training is to develop expertise and competency needed to ensure all activities of the organization are acceptable environmental laws and regulations.
4) Environmental Audit
It serves the organization by periodically evaluating and
recommending appropriate solutions and corrective measures to address any identified weaknesses or discrepancies within the environmental management program.
Commitments for a successful EMS Adoption
1) To make sure all organization activities comply with relevant governing standards and regulatory requirements, locally as well as internationally on environmental protection.
Criteria for an Environmental Auditor
ISO 14012 guidelines for environmental auditing a) Environmental science and technology
b) Technical and environmental aspects of facility operations c) Relevant requirement of environmental laws
d) Environmental management systems
e) Audit procedures, processes and techniques
Benefits of Environmental Audit
1) Avoiding negative publicity and being assured of a worthy reputation as one of the good corporate players to stakeholders
2) Improving eco-efficiencies by adopting cleaner and environmental-friendly activities.
3) Increasing employee awareness of the company’s environmental responsibility
Environmental Audit Report
1) The positive aspect of an organization’s environmental performance 2) Any deficiencies or weaknesses found in the current environment
management practices
3) A proposal for improvement opportunity or recommendation concerning the weaknesses identified earlier during the audit.
Example of the types of Environmental Audit in manufacturing company 1) Operations site compliance audits
2) Pollution prevention audit
3) Transactional environmental audit on asset transfer 4) Product audits
5) Environmental liability accrual audits
