Environmental management systems

Increasingly companies are recognising that the environment is a management issue and not just a matter of compliance. Environmental Management Systems (EMS) provides a practical framework within which environmental issues can be managed.

Use some of our Getting Started tips to start recording information for your company. As soon as you begin to take records, you have started an EMS. For the next steps see our range of resources to help you get started with an EMS:

• We provide 'How to' guidance to help you implement an EMS;
• The Case-studies we have produced show how other businesses have introduced an EMS and made savings;
• We often run training events to help you identify actions to carry out and improve your business;
• A FastTrack visit from an Envirowise advisor can help identify areas where your company can make savings which may help with starting off your EMS; (this service is not available in England and Wales)
• Contact the Envirowise Advice Line 0800 585794 to find out more about an EMS or to book a FastTrack visit! Even if there isn't information for your industry sector, many companies have adapted the information to suit their circumstances.

You can set up your own EMS as an internal management tool. Alternatively, there are recognised national and international standards that provide accreditation and external recognition of the standards achieved. The phased EMS implementation approach used by BS 8555 and the Green Dragon Environmental Standard® breaks down the process of installing a formal EMS into a number of levels. There are three schemes that can help you to achieve BS 8555 (Acorn, Green Dragon Scheme and STEMS). Ultimately, both BS 8555 and the Green Dragon standards can be used to achieve the level required by ISO 14001 or EMAS. The choice depends on what is right for your company, but the Envirowise Advice Line may be able to help you decide what is best for your circumstances.