Environmental Management Systems (EMS)
Level 5
Calculating Resources
Unit 3
Responsibilities for Implementing an EMS


There has been some concern that ISO 14001 and EMAS are too onerous for SMEs. This need not be the case if careful planning is undertaken at the beginning.

The time taken to implement an EMS largely depends on the activities, operations, services and products of an individual company, site circumstances, the experience of the personnel involved and the type of EMS chosen. For example, a manufacturing site will be more challenging to tackle than an office based organisation.

Investing resources in implementing an EMS can bring real benefits in reduced costs from savings through more efficient use of energy, water and materials, and reduced environmental risks.

To achieve these savings investment in management time and training required, and money is required.

Management Time

  • Senior Manager (Management Representative) responsible for implementing EMS
  • Senior Managers (Environmental Steering Group) have to learn about the EMS and are responsible for communicating the new system to employees

Training

  • Employees have to learn about the new system, be trained in new procedures
  • Some employees will be involved in the environmental team
  • Internal auditors will need to be trained

Money

  • Financial resources will be needed if a company decides to employ an outside consultant to implement the EMS
  • Investment may be required in improvements to activities and processes

Experience has shown that it will take 500 to 750 hours, over a 12 to 18 month period, for an SME to implement a formal EMS. Some of this includes time spent by consultants advising on the project.

Tasks:
ISO 14001 has five clauses that specifically require environmental communication. List the clauses, their requirements and how those requirements may be met in no more than 250 words.