EMS Survey Results : It pays to certify
Results from a three-year European study into the benefits of environmental management systems demonstrate a link between certified systems and improved environmental performance. And those organisations with systems verified to EMAS do even better.
Europe’s largest ever survey into environmental management systems, remas set out to examine the links between environmental management practices and environmental performance. The €2 million project was co-financed by the Environment Agency, LIFE Environment Fund, SEPA, EPA and IEMA. Using data gathered from more than 300 sites across Europe, the project team used a mathematical model developed by the Policy Studies Institute to provide conclusive proof of its findings.
A key focus of the project was to examine the benefits a certified EMS could offer regulators and it is hoped the results from the survey will help inform regulatory policy-making throughout Europe.
The project finds strong evidence that a robust and continually improving EMS certified to ISO 14001 or EMAS does indeed improve site environmental management which in turn is linked to better environmental performance. It also found a correlation between EMS’s and compliance to regulation – although there are marked regional differences.
LRQA was involved with remas from its inception, firstly engaged in joint site visits with the regulator and then providing input to workshops, presentations and questionnaires.
Don Stanley, LRQA’s Head of Assessment comments: “We welcome the remas results which supports our own thinking and assessment approach. We know from working closely with our clients that those organisations who fully embrace ISO 14001 and/or EMAS do see clear net gain: improving environmental performance, reducing costs and an ability to compete effectively.
“Our advice, which is supported by the finding of this survey, is really very simple. A robust system which is continually improving will bring the most benefits and to do this will mean investing resource in both the system and its people. It really can pay to certify.”
LRQA have launched 2 new EMS course for internal auditors and management systems managers. Details can be found below on the links.
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EMS and Health & Safety Internal Auditor |
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EMS Auditing for QMS Auditors |
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