In last month’s P2 NEWS we started a series on Environmental Management Systems (EMS). An EMS is a set of processes and procedures that helps an organization address its environmental concerns and regulatory requirements in a systematic and cost-effective manner. The article outlined the elements of an EMS and listed some of the benefits of implementation.

Following are some important steps to determine as a facility begins their EMS journey:

Management Commitment

Before your organization starts an environmental management system leadership must be committed to ensure EMS success. Management must first understand the benefits of an EMS and what it will take to put an EMS in place. Management must demonstrate leadership and commitment to the EMS. Leadership is ultimately responsible for the EMS and that commitment should be communicated to all in the organization.

EMS Champion

An EMS champion is critical to the success of the EMS. The champion should have the necessary authority, an understanding of the organization, and project management skills. The champion should be a "systems thinker," have the time to commit to the EMS-building process, and must have top management support for the building and maintaining of the system. Although all staff should be engaged in the EMS, the champion is the point person for the EMS development process.

EMS Team

A cross‐functional EMS Implementation Team should be built with members from key functions of the organization (such as engineering, finance, human resources, production and/or service). Some organizations include contractors, suppliers or other external parties as part of the project team, where appropriate. The team will need to meet regularly, especially in the early stages of the project. The cross‐functional team will be able to provide insight on the organization’s various processes and will build ownership of the EMS throughout the facility.

Conduct a Gap Analysis/Preliminary Review

The next step is for the team to conduct a preliminary review of your current compliance and other environmental programs/systems, and to compare these against the criteria for your EMS (such as ISO 14001:2015). In many instances an organization will have many of the EMS processes in place. Evaluate your organization's structure, procedures, policies, environmental impacts, training programs and other factors. Consider utilizing an ISO 14001 self-assessment tool such as Global Environmental Management Initiative (GEMI) EMS Self-Assessment Tool, etc.

Environmental Policy

The organization will set an Environmental Policy that  outlines the organization’s intentions related to environmental performance. The policy should contain brief statements on the following criteria:

• The business mission and information about its operations. Bear in mind that if your business activities or operations change significantly, the policy may need to be amended.
• A commitment to continually improve your environmental performance.
• A commitment to effectively manage your significant environmental impacts.
• The expectations that your business has in relation to external parties such as suppliers and contractors.
• Recognition that you will comply with relevant environmental legislation as a minimum level of performance.
• Education and training of employees in environmental issues and the environmental effects of their activities.
• Monitoring progress and reviewing environmental performance against targets and objectives on a regular basis (usually annually or in the first six months initially).
• A commitment to communicate your business' environmental aims and objectives to all staff, as well as to customers, investors and other external stakeholders.

Pollution Prevention Services (P2 Services) provides confidential, non-regulatory assistance to companies that includes assistance with developing portions of an EMS, reviewing an EMS for conformity to a standard, and assistance recommending improvement projects and implementing those projects to meet EMS goals.

Organizations and companies in EPA Region 7 are encouraged to apply for a P2 Recognition Award which celebrates P2 successes and best practices that exemplify environmental excellence and innovation. Organizations that implemented P2 projects between 2019-2021 in Region 7 (Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, and nine Tribal Nations) are eligible. Submit applications by Nov. 4, 2022.