Environmental Management Systems (EMS) take a whole business approach to environmental issues from design to the end of the product lifecycle. EMS can help a business to reduce waste and improve efficiency which can make a positive effect on profit. EMS can also provide benefit in terms of positive PR and highlighting corporate responsibility.
Depending on the size of the business there are different EMS solutions.
Generally Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs)
Generally used by larger businesses and organisations.
The BSI provides free guidance on EMS and ISO 14001 (external link)
EMAS focuses on improving businesses environmental management and performance and is backed by Government and environmental regulators. Organisations are required to have an EMS in place that meets the ISO 14001 requirements