The ISO 14001 EMS Approach

Five Main Stages

1. Commitment and Policy

Senior managers commit to environmental improvement and establish an organizational environmental policy.
The policy is the foundation of the EMS and is widely shared with all employees and the public.
The organization should establish procedures to obtain appropriate input for EMS development and to keep the public informed of the status of EMS development and implementation.

2. Planning Environmental Activities

Aspects - An organization first identifies the environmental aspects of its operations. Environmental aspects are those items, such as air pollutants or hazardous waste, that can have negative (or positive) impacts on people and/or the environment.
Significance - An organization then determines which aspects are significant by choosing criteria considered most important by the organization (i.e., setting priorities).
Objectives and targets - Once significant environmental aspects are determined, the organization sets objectives and targets.
An objective is an overall environmental goal (e.g., minimize use of chemical X).
A target is a detailed, quantified requirement that arises from the objectives (e.g., reduce use of chemical X by 25% by September 2004).
Action Plan - The final part of the planning stage is devising an action plan for meeting the targets, incorporating strong operational controls and environmental responsibilities into existing job descriptions and work instructions. The plan includes:
- Designating roles and responsibilities
- Identifying training needs
- Establishing a schedule
- Describing procedures to measure and document results and
- Outlining clearly defined steps to meet the targets.

3. Implementation and Operation

An organization follows through with the action plan using necessary resources (human, financial, etc.).
An important component is training and awareness for all employees.
Other implementation steps include documentation, following operating procedures, and setting up internal and external communication lines.

4. Monitoring and Evaluation

An organization monitors and documents its operations to evaluate whether targets are being met.
If targets are not met, the organization takes corrective action.

5. Management Review and Action

Senior management reviews the results of the evaluation to see if the EMS is working.
Management determines whether the original environmental policy is consistent with organizational values.
As appropriate, the plan is revised to enhance the effectiveness of the EMS.
The review stage creates a loop of continuous improvement.

Seventeen EMS Steps

PLAN

Environmental Policy - Develop a statement of the organization's commitment to the environment; use policy as a framework for planning and action.
Environmental Aspects and Impacts - Identify environmental attributes of products, activities and services and their effects on the environment.
Legal and Other Requirements - Identify and ensure access to relevant laws and regulations.
Objectives and Targets - Set environmental goals for the organization

Environmental Management Program - Plan actions to achieve objectives and targets.
Structure and Responsibility - Establish roles and responsibilities within the organization; identify needed resources.
Training, Awareness and Competence - Ensure that employees are aware of and able to perform their environmental responsibilities.
Communication - Develop processes for internal and external communication on environmental management issues.
EMS Documentation - Maintain information about the EMS and related documents.
Document Control - Ensure effective management of procedures and other documents.
Operational Control - Identify, plan, and manage the organization's operations and activities in line with the policy, objectives, and targets.
Emergency Preparedness and Response - Develop procedures for preventing and responding to potential emergencies.

CHECK

Monitoring and Measuring - Monitor key activities and track performance; conduct periodic assessments of compliance with legal requirements.
Nonconformance and Corrective and Preventative Action - Identify and correct problems and prevent recurrences.
Records - Keep adequate records of EMS performance.
EMS Audit - Periodically verify that the EMS is effective and achieving objectives and targets.

ACT