Environmental management system (EMS)

EMS is a set of processes and practices that enable an organisation to reduce its environmental impact and increase its operation efficiency. It can be applied by non-profit organisations, businesses, states and other agencies. The benefits of having proper environmental management in place are many. The most obvious are the benefits it brings to the environment and the indirect or direct benefits it therefore brings people such as better air quality, cleaner water and so on. But it can also bring new customers, members or donors to your business and organisation. New employees who seek to work in a value-driven organisation. It can improve employees morale and sense of purpose at the workplace. It also enhances new investors and markets. It will be hard not to work with environmental awareness though sustainability regulations are increasing new laws are being enforced for countries to be able to deal with the climate and biological crisis. If you want to have a profitable business or an organisation that prosper in the future, climate and environmental awareness is a must.

For example, according to Accenture’s research on responsible leadership, companies with high ratings for Environment Social and Governance (ESG) performance enjoyed average operating margins 3.7 times higher than those of lower ESG performers.

Source: United States Environmental Protection Agency and International Institute for Management Development

What should be in place

  • Environment or sustainability policy

  • Materiality- and risk analysis

  • Action plan with clearly set goals, objectives or targets and end dates

  • Suitable indicators or Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

  • Budget according to action plan

  • A proper management system and employee responsibilities (shall be included in the employee’s work description)

  • Environment as an agenda in leading- and board group meetings

  • Sustainability reporting, for example, according to the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI)

  • Suitable certifications according to standards, such as ISO 14000

How to make an impact at your WORKPLACE

  • Ask for a policy and action plan

  • Ask your employer regarding specific environmental aspects such as employees’ transportation, food in the canteen or the supply chain of the products. Demand ways for you to work more environmentally friendly.

  • Join the local union and put the environment on the agenda

  • Talk to colleagues, your manager and the board directly

  • Raise awareness by creating events on thematic days such as World Environment Day

  • Engage employees in activities such as Clean Up Days

  • Invite organisations or speakers to talk about certain environmental topics

How i can help

  • Lead, establish or improve your business or organisation's environmental work

  • Be the project leader of certain areas of your environmental work

  • Educate, speak and train employees and other stakeholders on environmental issues