Environmental Management Systems

It's no secret that environmental management systems (EMS) can provide unique benefits for companies. What is becoming clearer every year is that an EMS is most effective when it's developed strategically, rather than reactively, and implemented as an integrated part of an overall business plan.

Implementation is Key
However, just instituting an EMS is not all it takes. The key to gaining a competitive edge lies in how the system is developed. The most successful EMSs contain the following elements:

• Planning by each business unit, conducted as rigorously as that done for product development, sales management, or any other aspect of the business
  
• An environmental policy, developed by senior management and overseen by a steward
  
• Goals for each unit that are specific and measurable
  
• Regular assessment of environmental performance
  
• Accountability, including rewards for meeting goals and consequences for nonattainment
  
• Staff support within each unit
  
• An active commitment by managers at every level, from the CEO down, to making the EMS successful

RMT, Inc., 100 Verdae Blvd., Greenville, SC 29606-6778. Tel: 864-281-0030; Fax: 864-281-0288.