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Government
Agency Support and Recognition
Many
state agencies, as well as local USEPA regions, recognize the EMS as an
effective tool for furthering environmental compliance.
As a result, these groups have promoted EMS application through various
programs and policies. In recent
years, state agencies have incorporated EMS development and implementation into
their enforcement actions, seeking systematic cures rather than quick fixes to
environmental violations.
On a
national level, the USEPA, through its self-policing and audit incentive policy,
offers reduced penalties to those operations that have developed management
systems directed at regulatory compliance and which include procedures for
corrective action, auditing, and prompt disclosure of regulatory violations.
Improved
Public Perception
When
utilizing an ISO 14001 EMS,
an organization must develop an environmental policy that is
available to the public. It also has to document commitments
to continual improvement, compliance and pollution prevention.
This is demonstrated through the ongoing maintenance and
certification (if applicable) of an organization’s EMS.
Additionally,
the ISO 14001 standard requires developing procedures for receiving,
documenting and responding to communications from any interested
residents. Considering
the visible (and often time-sensitive) nature of environmental
municipal operations, standardized procedures can prove to be
invaluable. This process guarantees the appropriate and timely response
to relevant external communications.
An
EMS can also provide the framework for initiating pro-active
community outreach programs. Outreach
and education are the essence of a successful EMS for both those
inside and outside of an organization. In many cases, these practices are not new.
The EMS simply assists in defining the roles,
responsibilities and required procedures to ensure that
communications are conducted appropriately.
Better
Environmental Performance
As
reported in Issue 13, Part 2, ISO 14001 requires identifying
the environmental aspects of an organization’s operations and
proactively developing programs and procedures to control and/or
improve those aspects that are significant.
By
developing an awareness of environmental interactions, an
organization can better focus its resources, which is necessary to
achieve related performance goals. This is also where many of the bottom-line benefits of an EMS
are derived.
Fewer
Environmental Emergencies
ISO
14001 requires procedures to identify and plan for potential
environmental emergencies. The
old standard only contained regulations for specific situations
requiring emergency planning.
The
ISO process can yield significant dividends by avoiding an
environmental incident. If
an incident should occur, cost savings can be realized by minimizing
environmental impacts and potential regulatory enforcement penalties
through a prompt and well-planned
response.
Waste
management operations, which have faced similar situations without
the appropriate planning, have found themselves investing huge sums
of money to mitigate problems they weren't prepared to manage.
Employee Awareness
The
ISO 14001 standard requires all employees to be aware of the
environmental aspects and impacts of their work functions, as well
as the commitments set forth in an organization’s environmental
policy.
Employees
who are aware of the potentially significant environmental impacts
of their day-to-day activities are more likely to conduct themselves
in accordance with established procedures.
Employees will also recognize the value of improved
environmental performance, and make recommendations for the
improvement of processes and practices related to such activities.
Establishing
employee ownership of the environmental aspects and impacts can be
one of the greatest EMS benefits.
Managers appreciate this benefit, because environmental
responsibility is integrated into the organization as a whole,
instead of simply becoming the responsibility of one person.
Consistent
Management Approach
Waste
management operations are dynamic.
Products, processes, roles, responsibilities, equipment,
personnel, organizational structure and the facility itself are
constantly changing.
Implementing
a well-documented
EMS can ensure long-term consistency in the management approach
through evolving circumstances.
Obtain
A Greater Market Share
For
some organizations, implementing an EMS has become a prerequisite
for doing business with a valued customer. Environmental
performance is also becoming an indicator by which an organization's
financial performance is being evaluated.
| Did
You Know? |
| Dow Jones has
developed a sustainability index
that rates organizations based on their environmental,
social and economic performance for purposes of investment
evaluation.
Organizations with an
appropriately developed and implemented EMS can improve
their overall index rating. |
There
are numerous interested parties who value purchasing the goods and
using the services of an organization who is committed to
environmental stewardship as demonstrated through ISO 14001
certification.
Conclusions
The
management of the waste generated by our society is, and forever
will be, an ongoing challenge that confronts society. It is
the responsibility of the waste management industry in general to
ensure that is done right.
An
EMS that conforms to ISO 14001 requirements demonstrates that an
organization is committed to sustainability and long-term
environmental stewardship.
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