Environmental Management Systems: Environmental Management Leadership Symposium American College of Management & Technology Moderator: Lisa Greenwood 3 October 2008 Are They Effective?

Key Discussion Points - Budapest –No. of certificates leveling off in some areas –Larger companies already registered –Small/Medium companies are less inclined to pursue certification, apart from suppliers to multinational organizations –Pull exists from market, but not much push or incentive from government –Effects of the EMS on the company and its environmental performance vary depending on motivations, objectives

EMS Effectiveness Question 1: Why do organizations implement environmental management systems? –To be socially responsible “do what is right” –As a tool to achieve other means Customer requirement Market incentive Government incentive

EMS Effectiveness Question 2: What are the actual and/or perceived benefits of EMS implementation? –Correlated to motivations: Improved environmental performance Certificate on the wall –A “check in the box” –Met customer requirement –Benefited from market or government incentives

EMS Effectiveness Question 3: How do the organization’s motivations relate to the effectiveness of the management system? –Depends on stakeholder values Senior management Shareholders – holding management accountable Customers and consumers- holding company accountable –Factors may include Profitability and cost of nonconformity Short and long-term vision Integration within the business system

EMS Effectiveness Question 4: Are management systems effective at getting the organization to "do the right thing"? –Generally YES –Degree depends on Motivation, values and accountability Education and communication within the organization

EMS Effectiveness Question 5: Does the EMS add value to the organization? –Yes, lets hope so! –Depends on integration within day to day organizational management of operations Integration with risk management, QMS, etc.