Environmental Management Systems

An Environmental Management System (EMS) is a set of management processes and procedures designed to aid public and private agencies in establishing policies and practices for identifying, analyzing and solving problems. Through this process local agencies can control and reduce the environmental impact of their activities while operating with greater efficiency and control.

EMSs are designed so that environmental issues are integrated into the everyday business operations and decision-making structure of an organization. The framework for EMS, which was first implemented in the private sector, is based on a plan, do, check, act model that reinforces continual improvement in operations. An EMS can be implemented in any agency or organizations regardless of its size or structure.

The following highlights the reasons that local governments site for implementing EMSs.

Improved regulatory compliance
Increased operations efficiency
Better use and allocation of resources
Better relationship with regulators
Improved environmental awareness
Improved bond ratings
Reduced insurance premiums
Better communication regarding environmental issues

The Environmental Protection Agency, www.epa.gov/ems

The Public Entity EMS Resource (PEER) Center, www.peercenter.net.

The Global Environment Technology Foundation, www.getf.org