There are two phases to establishing a formal EMS: 1. Implementing the EMS, and 2. Getting certified/registered. Each phase has a set of activities that must be completed for successful implementation and certification. These activities are outlined below but are discussed in more detail in the subsequent units.

1. Company establishes an environmental Steering Group with responsibility for learning about ISO 14000/EMAS and driving the implementation of the EMS forward.
2. Steering Group briefs top management about ISO 14000/EMAS, what an EMS involves, the certification/registration process, costs, and benefits.
3. Top management gives commitment and provides resources for EMS development.
4. Prepare draft environmental policy with top management endorsement.
5. Undertake an environmental review of the site(s) to identify:
   • its significant environmental impacts
   • compliance with relevant environmental legislation and other requirements applicable to the organisation
   • measures to reduce energy and raw materials consumption
   • opportunities to reduce waste
   • what needs to be done to meet the requirements of the ISO 14001/EMAS standard
6. Report findings of the review to top management, receive commitment and resources to implement an EMS.

7. Brief employees on environmental impacts of the operation, and company plans to implement an EMS.
8. Steering Group to set realistic environmental objectives and targets for the significant environmental impacts.
9. Establish a program for achieving targets and objectives, with agreement and backing of top management.
10. Steering Group to write procedures and work instructions, and create EMS manual.
11. Identify environmental training needs, and draw up training plans.
12. Present EMS to top management for approval, and implement EMS on acceptance.
13. Establish an internal audit programme and undertake regular audits of the EMS.
14. Implement training programme.
15. For EMAS systems, produce an Environmental Statement detailing the companys environmental performance, and publish it outside the company.

1. Select a certification body to audit the EMS against the requirements of the ISO 14001 standard.
2. Apply to have EMS certified, agree charges and timescales.
3. An auditor from the certification body background=/envENVMAN5/course/images/back/back.jpg will undertake a document review and audit the various elements of the EMS.
4. Non-conformities, if any, are reported to the organisation at a closing meeting.
5. Company undertakes corrective actions regarding the non conformities.
6. Corrective actions are verified by the auditor.
7. Auditor recommends certification and a certificate issued.
8. Regular surveillance audits are required to maintain certification.

As above, but the audit process also includes the following:

1. Auditor will check the data and information included in the Environmental Statement
2. The statement may need to be changed.
3. Auditor discusses the necessary changes with the company.
4. Company makes necessary changes to the statement and produces a final draft.
5. Auditor validates statement.