ABSTRACT
This chapter begins with the components of a formal environmental management system (EMS) and highlights one common means of implementation: the international EMS standard International Organisation for Standardisation 4000. It is common practice for organisations to implement some form of EMS. Common features ease the transfer of system elements as organisations involve additional facility locations in their overall EMS structure. EMSs have been adopted by organisations of varying sizes and sectors including large corporations, small and medium-sized enterprises, and government agencies. The basic components of an EMS include: a mission statement; documented environmental policy; goals; time-lines; data collection and organisation; information systems; identification of environmental impacts; regulatory requirements; personnel responsibility and task list; training and awareness; management review; organisational decision process; audits; annual reports; security measures; and emergency plans. Common components include environmental policies, goals, data collection systems, audits and reviews.
