ABSTRACT
Through the implementation of environmental management systems, businesses can find new, effective ways to manufacture more environmentally friendly products and provide better services while reducing environmental impacts. Process and production innovations can diminish pollution, eliminate unnecessary wastestreams, and minimize energy consumption and usage of raw materials and natural resources. Performance innovations can also eliminate or reduce environmental risks, such as toxic releases into the environment. Manufacturing and service companies need to think about how to change their daily operations that impact the environment and improve delivery of green products and services. Aside from the obvious benefits to the environment, there are some good business reasons for these innovations. Environmental management systems can identify the obvious problems, but more importantly, can point the way towards discovering solutions to environmental problems, measuring success, and ensuring that the business remains profitable in the face of escalating environmental responsibilities.
