How to Develop an Environmental Management System
An environmental management system is a plan that is implemented by a company or organization which helps them to address it's environmental concerns. An environmental management system serves to decrease the impact that a company has on its local and global environment. Many different concerns are addressed in an environmental management system.
- Create a policy statement regarding the environmental management system. The policy statement should be short and concise. It should convey to employees the ultimate goal of the implementation of the system, as well as the company's stance on environmental impact issues.
- Develop a comprehensive environmental management system. The details of the management system will vary between companies and organizations, based on their individual production, resource use and operating policies. Nearly all systems will include things such as a recycling program, a plan to reuse resources and reduce the amount of wasted resources, new operating guidelines that focus on reducing waste and a plan to train and educate employees in the acceptable uses of company resources. Compile the environmental management plan and create a handbook that employees can use as a reference guide in their day-to-day employment. Hang signs in key areas around the workplace to remind employees about the new system, policies and procedures.
- Follow through with employee education and training. The environmental management system should include details on how to train employees on the proper use and conservation of resources. Follow this training and education plan to ensure that all employees have a clear understanding of their role in the successful operation of the system.
- Develop company-wide conservation goals. Set goals for the company that measure such things as recycling, waste reduction and resource conservation. These goals should be measurable as well as attainable.
- Track the company's progress. Review the company's goals regularly and determine how well the goals are being met. If the company routinely meets and exceeds its goals, the management staff may consider setting higher or more difficult goals. If the company has a hard time reaching it's environmental goals, the goals may need to be reevaluated.