Introduction To Environment Management System

By Author: Smartkathy green
Total Articles: 265
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Waste generation is inevitable in industrial arena and so the pollution. The nature plays an important part by providing the role to the scavenger to nullify the impacts of the pollution that is generated. However, ever-increasing industrialization has been contributing pollution much beyond the assimilative capacity of the nature resulting in the degradation of the environment. Evidently, industry and environment are complementary to each other. The industries are required to grow to satisfy the need of the society but at the same time they need to carry on these activities in an environmentally acceptable manner.

Of late, industries have been reactive towards environment management, which has led to the concept of end of pipe treatment of pollution. Now, it is an establish fact that this concept alone could not yield the desired objectives viz. environment protection. In this scenario, the concept of environment protection through pollution prevention is taking shape. Pollution prevention also known as resource conservation or waste minimization or cleaner production combined with the pollution control has been successful ...
... in achieving the objectives of environment protection. However, mostly, it has been sporadic achievement only as it could not be sustained. Therefore, they are opting for ISO certification.

EMS - Environment Management System

Environment Management System (EMS) refers to a system used by an Organisation to manage its activities, products or services in such a way to minimize or eliminate the adverse impacts on environment. More explicitly, the EMS is that part of the overall management system viz. organizational structure, planning activities, responsibilities, practices, procedures, processes and resources which are necessary for developing, implementing, reviewing and maintaining the organisation's environmental policy.

Evidently, Environmental Management System is not a Hi- Tech mechanism to address environmental issues of an organisation. Basically EMS is a manual system consisting of three components namely:

Design or development of elements of EMS
Documentation and
Implementation

Of course, the documentation can be supported by software.

Unlike the Quality Management System which concentrate only on customers satisfaction, the EMS - ISO 14001 is required to satisfy different stakeholders e.g. employees, shareholders, regulatory authorities, customers and general public as well. Also, quality can be defined by technical specification and so satisfying the customers is relatively easier whereas in case of EMS it is dependent on diverse interest of the stakeholders. In addition, the EMS is required to ensure compliance with relevant legislation and regulations. Thus, the scope of application and operation of EMS is wider than that of QMS.

Why implement EMS?

Systematic approach
Improved communication
Improved compliance
Improved profitability
Reduction in liability and risk
Improved internal management
Confidence with stakeholders
Improved employee confidence / faith
Market credibility / image
Improved emergency preparedness

Thus, EMS is imperative for every industry as it plays crucial role in maintaining our environment safe. Moreover, it is essential for industries to get ISO certification. Hence, every industry should implement Environment Management System for the betterment of both humanity and our mother earth.