 Environmental Management Systems and Pollution Prevention
Introduction
An Environmental Management System (EMS) is a continual cycle of planning, implementing, reviewing and improving the actions that an organization takes to meet its environmental obligations. An EMS is used to improve an organization’s environmental performance and should be able to be objectively verified.
An effective EMS makes good business sense. It is ultimately less expensive to prevent pollution than to manage waste caused by pollution later on. Some manufacturers are now requiring their suppliers to have an EMS because it indicates a higher level of environmental commitment, which in turn ties into product quality and future liability concerns. Benefits of an EMS include:
- Increased competitive advantage in the marketplace;
- Reduce liability;
- Improved environmental performance;
- Improved public image;
- Reduced production costs; and
- Organized and accessible environmental records.
Although an organization’s management does not have to be certified in order for it to be considered an EMS, some organizations seek to obtain certification for their EMS. Some industries, such as the automotive industry, are encouraging certification of their suppliers. This may be done by using ISO 14000 as a guide to form the EMS and then working through a registrar to gain the certification.
ISO 14001 is the cornerstone of the ISO 14000 series. The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has established recognized quality management and environmental performance standards, beginning with ISO 9000 and ISO 14000. ISO 14000 is a series of standards of an EMS. It specifies an EMS framework so an organization can get its program certified by a third party registrar.
According to ISO 14001, the EMS must contain an environmental policy which states that the organization will implement the prevention of pollution, continual improvement and environmental compliance. The organization must identify environmental aspects of its operations and determine the impact they have on the environment.
Ohio EPA's Office of Compliance Assistance and Pollution Prevention has taken a significant interest in encouraging companies to develop an EMS since they focus around environmental compliance and the prevention of pollution. The Office of Compliance Assistance and Pollution Prevention is committed to assisting organizations with reducing the waste at its source. As such, we offer our aid to organizations in their continual improvement to find ways to reduce their waste and prevent the pollution at its source. OCAPP can assist by providing technical information and conducting on-site assessments. For more information see On Site P2 Assessments.
An EMS is a process that encourages better organization of business priorities. An effective EMS helps to identify the causes of environmental problems and then eliminate them. It can save money by reducing waste, increasing efficiency and reducing costs associated with environmental compliance and liability. Not only does it focus on what environmental problems happen but also on why they happen. Over time, this systematic identification and correction of system deficiencies leads to better environmental compliance and better overall business performance.
Click here for “Environmental Management Systems: An Implementation Guide for Small and Medium-Sized Organizations.” (WARNING: This PDF file size is large.)
Click here for “Environmental Management Systems and ISO 14001.” (PDF file)
Table of Contents
Basic ISO 14000 Information
- ISO Online: Official website for the International Organization for Standardization. Provides information on gaining certification, background of ISO, and limitations of using ISO in advertising.
- International Organization for Standardization’s frequently asked questions page.
- ANSI site that provides updates on Technical Committee 207 and the ISO standards.
- The Multi-State Working Group (MSWG) seeks to sustain long-term environmental improvement and integrate it into the nation’s culture. MSWG was established in 1996 as a small, informal affiliation of regulators, businesses, environmentalists and scholars focused on studying environmental management systems (EMSs) and their potential to achieve environmental results. Today, MSWG is a network of more than 800 participants in the United States and 12 countries. It is a forum for determined change agents from all sectors who respect each other’s views and want to go environmentally further than where MSWG is today.
ISO in Action
Ohio EPA Office of Compliance Assistance and Pollution Prevention thanks the following companies for their generosity in sharing information on their environmental management systems with us.
ABB Automation Inc. (Case Study, Columbus, Ohio)
Rockwell Automation, Twinsburg, Ohio
Heidelberg Web Systems, Dayton, Ohio
GM Powertrain, Defiance, Ohio
Interested in telling us about your EMS program? Contact P2 mail at the Office of Compliance Assistance and Pollution Prevention.
Audit Information
US Government EMS Information
- U.S. EPA Environmental Management Systems - Explains EPA’s efforts in environmental management systems.
- EPA Standards Network - Link to EPA’s Network which formed to assist American National Standardization Institute in developing national standards on environmental management systems.
- Environmental Law Institute - Program on Environmental Governance and Management - ELI’s Program on Environmental Governance and Management works with state, local and federal policymakers and managers, as well as representatives of industry and environmental groups, to identify and promote approaches to managing both government agencies and private businesses that will achieve greater protection of the environment. Over the past 15 years, the Program’s goal has been to build the capacity of all involved parties for achieving improved environmental quality, preventing pollution, and protecting natural resources.
EMS Related Agency Programs from Other States
- California Environmental Protection Agency EMS home page. Describes California EPA’s environmental policy statement that affirms the commitment to: 1) reduce ecological impacts from business operations; 2) lead by example; and 3) assist sister state agencies in their efforts to become more environmentally stable. The Cal/EPA has established an Agency-wide EMS which assesses and aligns business operations with the Agency’s mission of environmental protection.
- Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment’s Environmental Leadership Program. The Environmental Leadership Program is a statewide environmental recognition and reward program administered by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment’s Sustainability Program. The Environmental Leadership Program offers benefits and incentives to members that voluntarily go beyond compliance with state and federal regulations and are committed to continual environmental improvement.
- Illinois Environmental Protection Agency’s Regulatory Integration Program. To reach out to more businesses and organizations, the Office of Pollution Prevention (OPP) works closely with the Agency’s regulatory programs – air, water and land – to integrate pollution prevention (P2) into their mainstream functions. Inspectors, permit writers, and compliance personnel have the most frequent contact with businesses, and therefore, the best opportunity to recommend and encourage voluntary P2 practices. OPP has provided training for Agency staff to increase awareness of P2 techniques and the role P2 can play in helping facilities achieve compliance. OPP has also collaborated on special projects with the regulatory programs to promote voluntary P2 during field inspections.
- Indiana Department of Environmental Management’s Environmental Stewardship Program (ESP) is a voluntary, performance based leadership program designed to recognize and reward Indiana regulated entities for going above and beyond current environmental regulations. In return for their exemplary environmental performance, these establishments will receive program incentives including regulatory flexibility, public recognition, and networking opportunities.
- The Kentucky Pollution Prevention Center has organized an alliance of companies for environmental management system implementation. The alliance provides for a network of resources and offers technical assistance and gap analysis for members.
- Maine Department of Environmental Protection’s STEP-UP or Smart Tracks for Exceptional Performance and Upward Performers program offers recognition and other incentives to businesses interested in implementing sustainable practices.
- Michigan Department of Environmental Quality’s Clean Corporate Citizen program encourages companies to implement EMS. They offer incentives for quicker permitting, public recognition, and fewer monitoring and reporting requirements.
- North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resource's Environmental Stewardship Initiative is designed to promote and encourage superior environmental performance by North Carolina’s regulated community. This voluntary program provides benefits to stimulate the development and implementation of programs that use pollution prevention and innovative approaches to meet and go beyond regulatory requirements. This program seeks to reduce the impact on the environment beyond measures required by any permit or rule, producing a better environment, conserving natural resources and resulting in long-term economic benefits.
- Oregon’s Department of Environmental Quality web page. Information pertaining to their Green Permit program which offers regulatory incentives for superior environmental management can be found here.
- Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection’s web page. This site explains programs in their state, lists workshops they are sponsoring and has links to other ISO 14000 and EMS sites.
- Washington State Department of Ecology’s web page. The Department’s Technical Resources for Engineering Efficiency (TREE) program is a free technical assistance service for businesses. The TREE team is a group of Ecology engineers and scientists with expertise in industrial processes and pollution prevention. The team finds ways for businesses to reduce waste, increase efficiency and save money.
- The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources site explains their program to promote environmental management systems and ISO 14000. The state offers flexibility in the regulations to companies who enroll in the state’s environmental cooperation program.
Miscellaneous and Commercial Websites
International Sites
- EMS Info - Environment Canada - EMS Info is a page dedicated to providing information on environmental management systems (EMSs) to employees of the Government of Canada, and to EMS practitioners around the world.
Funding
- P2 Financing Resources - Ohio EPA, Office of Compliance Assistance and Pollution Prevention, has compiled lists to provide information for those interested in obtaining financing for projects in Ohio.
Office of Compliance Assistance and Pollution Prevention
Ohio Environmental Protection Agency
P.O. Box 1049
Columbus, Ohio 43216-1049
Phone (614) 644-3469
Fax (614) 644-2807
Toll Free (800) 329-7518
E-Mail: p2mail@epa.state.oh.us
page last updated: January 2007
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