Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book focuses on the development of Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS) at the European Union level. It provides the findings based on scrutiny of the administrative systems which were set up in the three member states–the UK, Germany and Greece–to make EMAS work. The book examines the important issue of the options available to particular actors to participate in the implementation of EMAS in the different member states and whether or not these options have an impact on the acceptability of EMAS to enterprises, the general public and specific interested parties. It deals with case studies at the site/company level in the three member states and scrutinise at the “operational level” how environment management systems work and what conditions foster or hinder participation as well as lead to sustainable and innovative outcomes.