Topic 4 Environmental Management Systems Chapter 32

The Concept

So, what exactly are they?

Developing an EMS Create an environmental policy Set objectives and targets Implement a program to achieve objectives Monitor and measure its effectiveness Correct problems Review the system to improve it and overall environmental performance

Standard A documented agreement containing technical specifications or other precise criteria to be used consistently as a rule, guideline or definition of characteristics to ensure that materials, processes products and services are fit for their purpose

EMAS: Eco-Management and Audit Scheme currently voluntary but could become mandatory site-based and originally confined to industrial activities but has been extended to any organization that has an impact on the environment makes adherence to a formal EMS and auditing mandatory and requires that organizations make independently verifiable public statements about their environmental performance

EMAS – Specific Objectives promote continuous improvements in environmental performance by establishing policies, programs and management systems; perform systematic, objective, and periodic evaluation of these elements; provide relevant information about these activities to the public

EMAS Requirements Adopt an environmental policy Conduct an environmental review Set environmental objectives Introduce an environmental program and EMS Set-up an environmental auditing program Prepare an environmental statement

ISO 14000 1979: ISO 9000 – management standards for quality management and quality assurance systems 1991: investigation into whether an international environmental standard could: Promote a common approach to environmental management Enhance an organization’s ability to attain and measure improvements in environmental performance Facilitate trade and remove trade barriers 1993: Preparation of separate ISO after concluded that the knowledge required for EM is distinct enough to warrant

Evaluation Guidelines Auditing Tools Management System Standards Product Support Tools Life Cycle Assessment ISO 14040 ISO 14041 ISO 14042 Environmental Labelling ISO 14020 ISO 14021 ISO 14024 Auditing Guidelines ISO 14010 ISO 14011 ISO 14012 Environmental Performance Evaluation Guidelines ISO 14031 EMS Specification ISO 14001 EMS Guide ISO 14004 * * * Terms and Definitions ISO 14050 Environmental aspects of product standards Guide 64 To be used by other standards writers

ISO 14001 Specification 0 Introduction 1 Scope 2 References 3 Definitions 4.0 Specification 4.0 General 4.2 Environmental policy 4.3 Planning 4.3.1 Environmental aspects 4.3.2 Legal & other requirements 4.3.3 Objectives & targets 4.3.4 Env mgt program 4.4 Implementation and operation 4.4.1 Structure & responsibility 4.4.2 Training, awareness, & competence 4.4.3 Communication 4.4.4 EMS documentation 4.4.5 Document control 4.4.6 Operational control 4.4.7 Emergency preparedness & response 4.5 Checking and corrective action 4.5.1 Monitoring & measurement 4.5.2 Non-conformance & corrective & preventive action 4.5.3 Records 4.5.4 EMS audit 4.6 Management review

Commitment & Environmental policy Management review Planning Continual Improvement Implementation and operation Checking and corrective action

Environmental Policy Statement of intentions and principles in relation to overall environmental performance Provides a framework for setting and reviewing environmental goals and objectives

Planning Identify environmental aspects of activities, products and services Determine which are associated with significant environmental impacts Identify and track legal and other applicable requirements Establish objectives and targets Establish an EMS

Identifying Aspects and Impacts Air pollution Release of VOCs Vehicle maintenance Impact Aspect Service Contribution to global warming & air pollution Electricity use Countless electrical devices Product Contamination of soil or water Accidental spillage Handling oil or hazardous materials Activity

Evaluating Significance High Low Significance Consequences of Occurring Likelihood of Occurring

Data Analysis Tools

Legal & Other Requirements What might be: legal requirements? other requirements? How could they be tracked?

Objectives and Targets Need to: reflect environmental policy and the identified significant impacts consider financial, operational, and business requirements be set by the organization for each relevant function and level of the organization be specific be achievable where practicable, be quantifiable have deadlines

Which is which? Reduce the use of chemical solvents and substitute biodegradable cleaners Reduce the use of chemical solvents 80% by 2004

EMS Must: designate responsibility for achieving objectives and targets at each relevant function and level provide the means for fulfilling objectives and targets designate a time frame within which they will be achieved

Commitment & Environmental policy Management review Planning Continual Improvement Implementation and operation Checking and corrective action

Implementation & Operation Structure and responsibility Training, awareness and competence EMS documentation Document control Operational control Emergency preparedness and response

Checking & Corrective Action Measure, monitor and evaluate environmental performance If problems occur, apply corrective action Maintain environmental records to demonstrate conformance of EMS to ISO 14001 Audit the EMS

Management Review Ensure EMS’ continuing suitability, adequacy and effectiveness Consider audit results, changing circumstances, commitment to continual improvement Address possible changes to policy, objectives

ISO 14001 Benefits international standards help level the playing field reduce duplicity, conflicting requirements of different markets satisfy stakeholder interests lower insurance rates-due diligence internal benefits - reduce costs pollution prevention, not end-of-pipe Concerns increased costs create trade barriers does not ensure better environmental performance registration issues – inconsistent interpretation of standards

Criticisms of ISO 14000 Does it help implement Agenda 21 or any international environmental convention? Can ISO 14001 become an international trade standard without operative participation from governments or NGOs? How will an ISO14001 certified company demonstrate that it has good environmental performance? How do governments, workers, and the public get access to the environmental information prepared by an ISO 14001 certified company?

EMAS vs. ISO 14001 No Yes Conduct preliminary environmental review Worldwide In Europe Recognized ISO European Committee for Standards Developed by All kinds Certifiable organizations Control contractors and suppliers No but register of aspects similar & id legal requirements Produce register of effects Obtain independent validation Make program publicly available Publish an environmental statement Yes of EMS only Conduct environmental audits Develop an environmental program Set targets Develop an environmental policy ISO 14001 EMAS Component

ISO Certification Numbers Source:ISO

Source:ISO

Other Relevant Initiatives OSHA’s Voluntary Protection Program CERES Agenda 21 Malcolm Baldridge National Quality Award