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Key Elements of an EMS
Basic Information
This section provides a short description of the seventeen EMS elements that are common to most EMS models. These elements are included in the step by step action plan for developing and implementing the elements of an EMS which begins in the "Do" stage. More details on these elements, including key linkages among them, can be found in Environmental Management Systems: An Implementation Guide for Small and Medium Sized Organizations.
17 Key Elements of an EMS: A Snapshot
- Environmental Policy — Develop a statement of your organization's commitment to the environment. Use this policy as a framework for planning and action.
- Environmental Aspects — Identify environmental attributes of your products, activities and services. Determine those that could have significant impacts on the environment.
- Legal and Other Requirements — Identify and ensure access to relevant laws and regulations, as well as other requirements to which your organization adheres.
- Objectives and Targets — Establish environmental goals for your organization, in line with your policy, environmental impacts, the views of interested parties and other factors.
- Environmental Management Program — Plan actions necessary to achieve your objectives and targets.
- Structure and Responsibility — Establish roles and responsibilities for environmental management and provide appropriate resources.
- Training, Awareness and Competence — Ensure that your employees are trained and capable of carrying out their environmental responsibilities.
- Communication — Establish processes for internal and external communications on environmental management issues.
- EMS Documentation — Maintain information on your EMS and related documents.
- Document Control — Ensure effective management of procedures and other system documents.
- Operational Control — Identify, plan and manage your operations and activities in line with your policy, objectives and targets.
- Emergency Preparedness and Response — Identify potential emergencies and develop procedures for preventing and responding to them.
- Monitoring and Measurement — Monitor key activities and track performance. Conduct periodic assessments of compliance with legal requirements.
- Nonconformance and Corrective and Preventive Action — Identify and correct problems and prevent their recurrence.
- Records — Maintain and manage records of EMS performance.
- EMS Audit — Periodically verify that your EMS is operating as intended.
- Management Review — Periodically review your EMS with an eye to continual improvement.
Once you gain an understanding the individual elements of an EMS, you can begin the process of putting these elements in place.
More Information
Case Studies
Highlights of EMS-related case studies with links to more detailed information, if available.
Brochure on EMS: Your Business Advantage (PDF, 446K, 8 pp, About PDF)
This brochure describes the benefits of developing an EMS including cost-savings, increased competitiveness, enhancement of your public image, and better management of environmental obligations.