An Environmental Management System (EMS) is a problem identification and problem solving tool that provides companies with a method to systematically manage their environmental activities, products and services and helps to achieve their environmental obligations and performance goals. ISO, the International Standards Organization, defines an EMS as "the part of the overall management system that includes organizational structure, planning activities, responsibilities, practices, procedures, processes and resources for developing, implementing, achieving, reviewing and maintaining the environmental policy."
 
Air and Water Policy
Environmental Management System
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ISO has developed a series of voluntary standards and guidelines in the field of environmental management, which are collectively known as the EN ISO 14000 series. Within this series, "EN ISO 14001:1996 environmental management systems — specifications with guidance for use" is the only certifiable standard, the remainder being supportive guidelines.

EMAS is the EU's Eco-Management and Audit Scheme. It has legal status within Member States, while being a voluntary instrument for companies.

The EMAS Regulation 2001/761/EC is currently being revised by the European Commission with Orgalime being actively involved in the process. One aspect under discussion will be how to facilitate EMAS registration for companies taht are already ISO/EN 14001 certified.

In Parallel, the European Commission has launched the revision of the EU Ecolabel Regulation, EC 1980/2000. The Ecolabel is the EU's own award scheme for highly performing products meeting ambitious environmental standards.

Orgalime supports the implementation of voluntary Environment Management System (EMS) as an effective tool for companies. Many Orgalime companies have already implemented EMS both under EC Regulation and ISO EN 14001. We take the view that EMAS should remain a voluntary tool.

Due to the impact that the revision of EMAS and the Ecolabel may have on the implementation of Directive 2005/32/EC on Eco Design of Energy Using Products (EuP) and the specific concerns of our industries, Orgalime closely monitors the revision of both Regulations.

Orgalime has been involved in the revision of EC regulation on Environment Management and Audit System (EMAS).

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