Carrying out an implementation of an environmental management system is not easy. You need a professional who has a master's degree in environmental management, such as the one taught at the International University of La Rioja. You must have someone who is an expert in energy and environmental management, as well as in legislation.
However, that does not mean that a company is interested in applying this process and has the appropriate steps to prepare for it. Would you be interested in implementing it in your company? So take note of what you will need.
What is an Environmental Management System (EMS)?
Un Environmental management system (SGMA) is a set of practices and procedures that a company implements to reduce its environmental impact, comply with regulations and efficiently manage natural resources. With this system, companies implement specific measures to minimize their pollution and optimize their interaction with the environment, both in production and waste management.
The EMS adapts to the particularities of each organization and, although it may seem a challenge, the benefits are considerable: reduction of the ecological footprint, compliance with legal regulations and improvement of the company's reputation.
Steps to implement an environmental management program in companies
To implement an effective environmental management program within a company, it is necessary to follow a series of clear and organized steps. These will make the system functional, reduce the environmental impact of activities and contribute to compliance with the corresponding regulations.
Some international regulations, such as the ISO 14001 standard, are the basis for many EMS and allow organizations to structure their system in such a way that not only legal requirements are met, but also continuous improvement is promoted.
Initial self-assessment and goal setting
This is the first step. To begin with, an environmental self-assessment must be carried out and, based on this, Establish the environmental objectives that the company wants to achieveThis assessment identifies negative aspects of environmental management, strengths and opportunities for improvement. This allows the company's management to have a clear reference on how to proceed.
In this context, it is crucial to develop measurable, achievable and realistic goals. A popular approach is the SMART goal system which is well suited to sustainability programs.
Establish an implementation team
The next step is to appoint a team responsible for carrying out the implementation of the EMS. This team must include professionals from different departments who can contribute their knowledge in the different areas involved. The key here is collaboration between departments and adequate training in environmental management and projects.
Environmental management program planning
Good planning of the environmental management program is crucial to its success. The plan should include the following sections:
- Identification and evaluation of environmental aspects: You must identify the company's activities that impact the environment (atmospheric emissions, water consumption, waste generation, among others).
- Legal and regulatory requirements: Ensure that the plan complies with all national and local environmental laws, as well as applicable international regulations (such as ISO 14001).
- Establishment of preventive and corrective measures: Once the problem areas have been identified, corrective and preventive measures must be established to minimize the negative impacts.
Budget
To properly implement an environmental management program, it is essential to allocate an adequate budget. This budget must consider all possible aspects, from human resources to the acquisition of technology and tools necessary to effectively manage environmental impact. The cost of staff training should not be underestimated, as this ensures the correct implementation of the plan.
Implementation of the plan
With the plan developed, it is time to put it into action. One of the main challenges is to generate commitment among all employees in the company. Therefore, it is essential to clearly communicate the objectives and the impact of the system on their daily activities.
Measuring the plan and continuous improvement
Once the plan is in place, it is essential to periodically measure its progress. It is advisable to implement Periodic internal and external audits to verify compliance with the objectives. In addition, the principle of continuous improvement (PDCA Cycle – Plan-Do-Check-Act) allows the system to be adjusted to possible changes or improvements.
Advantages of implementing an environmental management system
Once implemented, an EMS offers multiple advantages, both internally and externally:
- Significant reduction in environmental impact: By identifying and reducing the most polluting activities, companies minimize their ecological footprint.
- Improving reputation and customer relations: Companies that focus on sustainability are more highly valued by consumers.
- Long-term cost reduction: Implementing more efficient measures in the use of resources results in savings in energy, water and waste management.
- Legal compliance: Compliance with environmental regulations is guaranteed, avoiding sanctions and fines.
Being prepared for possible audits and following the cycle of continuous improvement are key aspects to staying up to date on environmental regulations, but also to growing as a company committed to sustainability.
Implementing an environmental management program in your company requires effort and coordination. However, the benefits it brings in terms of social responsibility, savings, legal compliance and improved reputation are essential to remain competitive and contribute to a more sustainable world.