Implementation of EMAS
Creation and implementation of an environmental management system
The establishment of an environmental management system is a central stage in the implementation of EMAS, where the results of the initial environmental review are translated into functioning processes, roles and work organisation. Its aim is to integrate environmental management into the organisation's daily activities in order to effectively achieve environmental objectives, ensure compliance with legal requirements and create clear foundations for continuous improvement.
Important to know concerning this step
In order for the environmental management system to function, it is necessary to define who is responsible for what in the organisation, from the representative of the management to the heads of the units, employees and auditors.
Important steps:
- appointing those responsible (including a representative of the EMAS management),
- ensuring the necessary resources (time, competence, funding),
- documenting and communicating roles and powers.
Further guidance on the definition of roles, responsibilities and resources can be found in Annex II of the EMAS Regulation (sections A.5.1, A.5.3 and A.7.1), the EMAS Guide (chapter 4.1) and the EMAS Interactive Guide.
An organisation must systematically map all environmental legislation and other requirements that apply to its activities and regularly assess their compliance.
Important steps:
- mapping of legal and voluntary obligations,
- the process for checking compliance and storing evidence,
- identifying deficiencies and planning corrective actions.
Employees are the key to EMAS's success. Employees need to understand the goals of the system and their role in making it work.
Important activities:
- clarification of training needs,
- increasing environmental awareness,
- involving employees in the planning of environmental tasks and improvements,
- ensuring the flow of information.
A more detailed overview of worker involvement and training can be found in Annex II of the EMAS Regulation (sections A.7.2 and B.6), in the EMAS Guide (chapter 4.3) and in the EMAS Interactive Guide.
The organization must define and document all important processes that support the functioning of the environmental management system and the reduction of environmental risk.
Key steps to ensure the functioning of environmental management processes:
- establishing procedures for the exchange of information within and outside the organisation;
- planning and management of operations;
- emergency preparedness and response;
- monitoring, measurement and data analysis of environmental performance;
- identifying and resolving non-conformities;
- documentation and document control.
A more detailed overview of environmental management processes and ensuring their functioning can be found in Annex II of the EMAS Regulation (Sections A.7.4, A.7.5, A.8.1, A.8.2, A.9.1, A.10.2), the EMAS Regulation Guide (Chapter 4) and the EMAS Interactive Guide.
The implementation of ISO 14001 provides a strong foundation for the implementation of EMAS, as the ISO requirements overlap with the column A of Annex II of the EMAS Regulation. However, EMAS registration requires a number of additional requirements that are not covered by ISO alone. It is necessary to carry out the activities in the column B of Annex II of the EMAS Regulation.
A tool to help you define responsibilities and compliance obligations can be found here.
References
Annex I of the EMAS Regulation (Environmental Review)
Annex II of the EMAS Regulation (Environmental Management System Requirements)
EMAS Annex III (Internal Environmental Audit)
Annex IV of the EMAS Regulation (environmental reporting)
Annex V of the EMAS Regulation (EMAS logo)
Annex VI of the EMAS Regulation (information requirements for registration)
Annex VII of the EMAS Regulation (verifier's declaration of verification and validation)
Contacts
In case of any questions or to get advice, please contact the Environmental Agency. The Environmental Agency acts as the competent authority of EMAS in Estonia.