An Environmental Management System (EMS) is a structured framework to manage an organization's environmental performance and minimize its environmental impact. An ISO 14001 certified EMS ensures the public and other stakeholders that an organization is doing everything in its power to effectively manage their environmental responsibilities.
Identifying and tracking Environmental Objectives and Actions to minimize significant impacts
Monitoring and auditing to ensure EMS compliance
Allocating environmental roles and responsibilities
Creating EMS documentation (guidelines) such as an EMS Policy and Procedure Manual, Operating Procedures Manuals, Emergency Response Procedures Manuals etc.
Benefits of an EMS
An EMS allows an organization to analyze, control and reduce the environmental impact of its activities, products and services. Some benefits also include:
Improved environmental performance
Reduced pollution and resource consumption
Reduced liability and improved legal compliance
Reduced operational costs and increased operational efficiency
Fewer environmental and safety related accidents
Heightened employee environmental awareness and staff involvement
Enhanced public trust and confidence in operations and management
Improved management of population growth and aging facilities
ISO 14001
The Regional District of Nanaimo's Wastewater Services Department was first ISO 14001 Certified in August 2005. The overall aim of ISO 14001 is to support environmental protection and prevent pollution in balance with socio-economic needs. ISO 14001 is an international EMS standard based on a model of continual improvement.