ABSTRACT
In 1989, the Dutch government initiated an action programme to stimulate Environmental Management Systems (EMS) on a voluntary basis. This programme can be considered a forerunner of BS7750, ISO 14000 and the European Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS). The major goal of the programme was for industrial companies to have EMS in operation by 1995. From 1989 to 1996, a steady development of EMS in large corporations can be obselVed. While the goals of the 1989 programme have not been achieved, business environmental management has become regular practice in Dutch industry.
