Environmental management systems: improving environmental performance

Abstract

This dissertation seeks to examine environmental management systems (EMS) such as ISO 14001 and EMAS and to find out if they improve environmental performance. ISO 14001 has been in existence since 1996 and EMAS was first established in 1993 and has been available for participation by organisations since 1995. Some views have been expressed regarding EMSs generally that have not been complimentary in terms of their effectiveness as a means of improving environmental performance. Some of this negative opinion may be linked to inconsistencies between the application of these systems within organisations and to inconsistencies among certification bodies and also in the approach of those providing accreditation to the certification bodies. The ISO 14001 standard is an international standard and EMAS is confined to Europe and again there have been suggestions of different approaches in different countries and also differing attitudes being evident depending on the regulatory environment. This dissertation primarily focuses on environmental indicators used by organisations and how these might demonstrate improved environmental performance.