ABSTRACT
At Hackefors Industrial District in Sweden, 30 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are co-operating on environmental issues. Uniquely, this group has formed a network and established a joint environmental management system (EMS) in accordance with ISO 14001. This chapter presents the EMS model used at Hackefors and analyzes the cost savings that have resulted. It explains that by networking and implementing a joint EMS, the SMEs at Hackefors have established a rational and cost-effective solution that has facilitated both the implementation and maintenance of EMSs. Worldwide, companies are developing EMSs according to the requirements of ISO 14001 and/or the EU Eco-management and Audit Scheme (EMAS). Implementation of EMSs requires substantial resources, both financially and in terms of staff, and many SMEs are hesitant of implementing EMSs. The joint EMS is organised in a way that is very similar to the organisation of systems for larger industrial concerns.
