Environmental Management System (EMS) Standards

Flexibility and Adaptability

EMS standards are designed to be flexible and adaptable to the specific needs and
circumstances of different organizations, regardless of their size, sector, or location.

They provide guidance on establishing environmental objectives, implementing management

programs, monitoring performance, and continuously improving environmental performance
over time.

Framework for Environmental Responsibility

EMS standards offer organizations a structured framework to manage their environmental

responsibilities systematically and effectively.

These standards help organizations establish policies, procedures, and practices to identify,
control, and reduce their environmental impacts, while also ensuring compliance with
applicable laws and regulations.

Certification Process for EMS Standards

Pre-Assessment (Optional)

Some organizations choose to conduct a pre-assessment or gap analysis to identify areas

where their EMS may not fully meet the requirements of the chosen standard, such as ISO
14001.

This pre-assessment helps organizations address any deficiencies before undergoing formal
certification assessment.

Selection of Certification Body

Organizations need to select a certification body accredited by an internationally recognized

accreditation body.

The chosen certification body should have expertise in environmental management systems
and experience conducting assessments in the organization's industry sector.

Documentation Preparation

Organizations must prepare documentation demonstrating compliance with the chosen EMS
standard, such as ISO 14001.

This documentation typically includes an environmental policy, objectives and targets,

procedures, work instructions, records of monitoring and measurement, and evidence of
continuous improvement.

Application for Certification

The organization submits an application for certification to the chosen certification body,
providing information about its operations, activities, and scope of the EMS. The application
may also include documentation demonstrating compliance with the EMS standard.
Stage 1 Audit (Documentation Review)

The certification body conducts a stage 1 audit, also known as a documentation review. During
this audit, the certification body reviews the organization's EMS documentation to ensure it
meets the requirements of the chosen standard. The auditor may identify any areas of non-
conformance or areas for improvement.

Stage 2 Audit (On-Site Assessment)

Following a successful stage 1 audit, the certification body conducts a stage 2 audit, also
known as an on-site assessment.

During this audit, auditors visit the organization's facilities to assess the implementation and
effectiveness of the EMS in practice.

The auditors interview personnel, observe processes, and review records to verify compliance
with the EMS standard.

Non-Conformity Management

If the auditors identify any non-conformities during the stage 2 audit, the organization must
develop corrective action plans to address them. The certification body may conduct follow-
up audits to verify the implementation and effectiveness of corrective actions.

Certification Decision

Based on the findings of the stage 1 and stage 2 audits, the certification body makes a
certification decision. If the organization has demonstrated compliance with the EMS standard
and addressed any non-conformities, the certification body issues a certificate of conformity.

Surveillance Audits

After certification, the organization undergoes periodic surveillance audits conducted by the
certification body to ensure ongoing compliance with the EMS standard.

Surveillance audits typically occur annually or at regular intervals specified in the certification
agreement.

Certificate Renewal

The organization must renew its certification periodically, typically every three years, by
undergoing a recertification audit.

Recertification audits assess the continued effectiveness and improvement of the EMS to
ensure ongoing compliance with the EMS standard.
Core Elements of EMS Standards
Environmental Policy

• The foundation of any EMS standard is the establishment of an environmental policy.

• This policy outlines the organization's commitment to environmental protection, compliance
with legal requirements, and continual improvement of environmental performance.

Planning

• EMS standards require organizations to conduct a thorough analysis of their environmental

aspects and impacts.
• This involves identifying potential environmental risks and setting objectives and targets to
address them.
• Developing procedures and action plans to achieve these objectives and targets effectively.

Implementation and Operation

• EMS standards emphasize the implementation of procedures and processes to achieve

environmental objectives.
• This includes defining roles, responsibilities, and authorities, as well as providing
appropriate training and resources to employees to ensure effective environmental
management.

Checking and Monitoring

• Monitoring and measurement are essential components of EMS standards.

• Organizations must establish processes to monitor their environmental performance,
collect relevant data, and evaluate compliance with legal requirements and internal policies.
• Regular audits and inspections help ensure the effectiveness of the EMS.

Management Review

• EMS standards require top management to conduct regular reviews of the environmental
management system.
• These reviews evaluate the suitability, adequacy, and effectiveness of the EMS in achieving
environmental objectives and targets.
• Management reviews also facilitate decision-making and resource allocation for continual
improvement.

Continuous Improvement

• Continual improvement is a core principle of EMS standards.

• Organizations are encouraged to identify opportunities for improvement, implement
corrective and preventive actions, and track progress towards environmental objectives.
• This iterative process ensures ongoing enhancement of environmental performance.

Documentation and Record Keeping

• EMS standards emphasize the importance of maintaining accurate documentation and

records of environmental management activities.
• This documentation includes the environmental policy, procedures, objectives, monitoring
results, audit reports, and other relevant information.
• Documentation ensures transparency, accountability, and compliance with EMS
requirements.
Benefits of EMS Standards
Improved Environmental Performance

EMS standards help organizations identify, manage, and reduce their environmental impacts.
By implementing systematic approaches to environmental management, organizations can
minimize pollution, conserve resources, and mitigate adverse environmental effects.

Legal Compliance

EMS standards assist organizations in understanding and complying with relevant

environmental laws, regulations, and other requirements. By establishing procedures to
monitor and assess compliance, organizations can avoid legal penalties, fines, and
reputational damage associated with non-compliance.

Cost Savings

EMS standards help organizations identify opportunities for resource conservation, energy
efficiency, and waste minimization, resulting in lower operational costs and improved
profitability.

Enhanced Reputation and Stakeholder Confidence

Certification to EMS standards demonstrates an organization's commitment to environmental

responsibility and sustainability. This enhances its reputation among customers, investors,
regulators, and other stakeholders, leading to increased trust, credibility, and market
competitiveness.

Risk Management

EMS standards enable organizations to identify and mitigate environmental risks that may
impact their operations, supply chain, or reputation. By conducting risk assessments and
implementing controls, organizations can minimize the likelihood of environmental incidents,
accidents, and liabilities.

Opportunities for Innovation and Differentiation

EMS standards encourage organizations to adopt innovative solutions and best practices for
environmental management. This fosters creativity, innovation, and continuous improvement,
allowing organizations to differentiate themselves in the marketplace and capitalize on
emerging sustainability trends.

Employee Engagement and Morale

By involving employees in environmental decision-making, training, and awareness programs,

organizations can foster a culture of sustainability, teamwork, and corporate citizenship.

Certification

Certification to EMS standards can open doors to new markets, customers, and business
opportunities. Many customers, particularly in sectors such as manufacturing, construction,
and services, require suppliers to demonstrate environmental credentials as part of their
procurement processes.

Global Recognition and Compliance

EMS standards such as ISO 14001 are internationally recognized and accepted. Certification
to these standards facilitates global trade, enhances market access, and ensures compliance
with international environmental requirements.
ISO 14000 Series Standards

ISO 14001: Environmental Management Systems (EMS)

ISO 14001 is the core standard within the ISO 14000 series and provides a framework for
organizations to establish, implement, maintain, and continually improve an environmental
management system (EMS).

It outlines requirements for organizations to identify and manage environmental aspects,

comply with applicable legal requirements, and set environmental objectives and targets.

ISO 14004: EMS - General Guidelines on Implementation

ISO 14004 provides guidance on the implementation, maintenance, and improvement of an

environmental management system based on the principles and requirements of ISO 14001.

It offers practical advice and examples to help organizations effectively implement and
manage their EMS.

ISO 14015: Environmental Assessment of Sites and Organizations

ISO 14015 provides guidance on conducting environmental assessments of sites and

organizations to identify, evaluate, and manage environmental aspects and impacts.

It helps organizations assess their environmental performance and identify opportunities for
improvement.

ISO 14031: Environmental Performance Evaluation

ISO 14031 provides guidance on the evaluation of environmental performance within

organizations.

It outlines principles and methodologies for measuring, evaluating, and reporting

environmental performance indicators to assess the effectiveness of environmental
management efforts.

ISO 14040: Life Cycle Assessment

ISO 14040 provides guidelines and principles for conducting life cycle assessments (LCAs) to
evaluate the environmental impacts of products, processes, or systems throughout their life
cycle stages.

It helps organizations assess the environmental implications of their activities and make
informed decisions to minimize environmental burdens.

ISO 14064: Greenhouse Gases

ISO 14064 comprises a series of standards related to the quantification, monitoring, and
reporting of greenhouse gas emissions and removals.

It provides guidelines for organizations to develop and implement greenhouse gas inventories,
quantify emission reductions or removals, and report on their greenhouse gas management
efforts.