1. Introduction to Environmental Management Systems (EMS)
Sheena Fisher
Principal Environmental Consultant

2. Overview of Presentation
What is an EMS?
Why organisations seek EMS Certification?
ISO 14001, EMAS and BS 8555
Certification
Things to be aware of

3. What is an EMS?
An EMS is a systematic approach to manage an organisation’s impact on the environment.
Its simply a tool to improve environmental performance.
An EMS is;
Voluntary
Provides standard procedures and mechanisms designed to support continual improvement

4. Provides a framework for an organisation to meet their environmental goals and objectives
Provides confidence that an organisation is addressing all issues related to its impact on the environment
Flexible and adaptable
Encourages prevention of pollution
Leads to consistent and comprehensive environmental management

5. Why Organisations Seek EMS Certification?
Customer and supplier requirement
To improve your resource efficiency
To improve operational efficiency
You export to a market where EMS certification is a requirement
To get a competitive advantage
To demonstrate environmental excellence to major stakeholders
To enhance legal compliance
To increase employee environmental awareness
To improve public perceptions

6. ISO 14001
International standard, first published in 1996 and revised in 2004
Most widely used EMS, over 6,000 organisations certified in UK and 110,000 worldwide (138 countries)
Full Management System based on Plan-Do-Check-Act model
Must demonstrate compliance with legal and other requirements
Must demonstrate continual improvement
All elements must be subjected to internal audit and Management Review

7. EMAS Eco Management and Audit Scheme European Scheme
Although voluntary it was initially established by EU Regulation 1836/93/EC which was replaced by Council Regulation 1221/2009
Full management system as ISO 14001
Plus publically available Environmental Report which requires external verification
Objectives and performance becomes publically available
Limited uptake in the UK

8. BS 8555
Established in 2003
6 phased implementation approach to achieving ISO or EMAS
Each phase requires external inspection and certification
After successful completion of each phase the IEMA Acorn certification is awarded and company details published on the IEMA Acorn Register
Widely used by small and medium sized enterprises

9. Certification
The extent of recognition is determined by the organisation, can be an in-house EMS or an independently certified EMS
Independent certification demonstrates that an EMS stands up to external audit and scrutiny
Generally considered to represent a more robust system.
Ensure the certification body is UKAS accredited to ensure their competency, impartiality and performance capability

10. Things to be aware of!
Commitment from Senior management and all staff are essential
Staff and management time is required
Environmental review process may highlight areas where further work/cost will be required such as provision of spill kits, monitoring equipments
Potential consulting assistance
Certification cost

11. SRF Environmental can support you to implement a cost-effective and economically viable EMS that will work in harmony with your organisation’s functions. If external certification is your ultimate goal, we will offer you a first time pass guarantee Please give us a call on or or visit

12. Principal Environmental Consultant
Thanks for your time
Any Questions?
Sheena Fisher
Principal Environmental Consultant