The European Eco-Management and Audit Scheme Performance, credibility, transparency GPP Conference 30/09/05 - Brussels

DIFFERENT TYPES OF EMS Formal management system EMAS Formal management system ISO Non-formal systems (Eco-lighthouse, Ekoprofit, etc) No environmental management system

HISTORY OF EMAS Beg 90ies, EMS = new tool more flexible / tailor-made Traditional command-control legislation alternative EMAS set-up 95 (revised 01) Objective: –Help organisations improve their environmental performances –Top-end benchmark Provide tools to: –Assess, manage, improve environmental aspects –Communicate credibly

Based on PDCA cycles – Plan Do Check Action HOW DOES EMAS WORK? Initial Environmental Review Environmental Statement Validation and registration Environment Policy and Programme Environmental Management System Environmental Audit Corrective actions

MOST ROBUST REQUIREMENTS ISO/EN ISO Public Reporting + Legal Compliance + Employees Participation + Performance improvement EMAS

MOST CREDIBLE CHECKING PROCESS Accreditation Body External auditor ORGANISATIONCompetent Body Registration EMAS ISO 14001

PUBLIC PROCUREMENT Background EU committed to GPP Important instrument for SD –Buy green goods –Develop greener technologies

PUBLIC PROCUREMENT How GPP & EMAS are linked « Buying green! A Handbook on environmental public procurement » makes link with EMAS –GP part of wider environmental management programme Commission to register EMAS –Bidders may use EMAS to prove compliance w/ environmental criteria

PUBLIC PROCUREMENT Practical questions Still practical questions: –To what extent contracting authority can advantage EMAS companies? –Can contracting authority request potential bidders to operate EMAS?

PUBLIC PROCUREMENT Question 1 To what extent contracting authority can advantage EMAS companies? –Directive 2004/17/EC /18/EC: selection criteria relevant/ /proportionate to contract object –EMAS = overall environmental performance + information Disproportionate to ask bidders to run EMAS, but EMAS may help comply w/ contract environmental aspects Bidders can use EMAS statement as proof of meeting environmental selection criteria if contains relevant information Restricted call for tender based on objective criteria e.g. EMAS statement higher ranking b/c 3rd party verified

PUBLIC PROCUREMENT Question 2 Can contracting authority request potential bidders to operate EMAS (or equivalent)? No, if as a selection / award criteria or technical specification –Must be directly linked to subject of contract Indirectly by way of asking to perform environmental management measures during the performance of the contract (under discussion)