A scrap yard operator near
Bristol contacted Southwest Environmental with a view to producing
an environmental management system for there
permitted operation. The need for the
environmental management system came from their
environmental permit, administered by
the environment agency. The site was situated over sensitive ground
water, and as such a robust management system was requested by the EA.
The environmental management system highlight high
risk activities such as vehicle fueling, and references operating
procedures for that activity, abatement plant (interceptors), and
responsible people for maintenance of said plant.
This environmental management system was designed to meet the
requirements out lined by the EA, and was not prepared in line with
ISO 14001.
An Environmental Management System (EMS):
Serves as a tool, or process, to improve environmental
performance and information mainly "design, pollution control and waste
minimization, training, reporting to top management, and the setting of
goals"
Provides a systematic way of managing an organization’s
environmental affairs
Is the aspect of the organization’s overall management
structure that addresses immediate and long-term impacts of its products,
services and processes on the environment. EMS assists with planning,
controlling and monitoring policies in an organization.
Gives order and consistency for organizations to address
environmental concerns through the allocation of resources, assignment of
responsibility and ongoing evaluation of practices, procedures and processes
Creates environmental buy-in from management and
employees and assigns accountability and responsibility.
Sets framework for training to achieve objectives and
desired performance.
Helps understand legislative requirements to better
determine a product or service's impact, significance, priorities and
objectives.
Focuses on continual improvement of the system and a way
to implement policies and objectives to meet a desired result. This also
helps with reviewing and auditing the EMS to find future opportunities.
Encourages contractors and suppliers to establish their
own EMS.