An EMS works to reduce this impact by controlling the amount of materials and energy you use and the amount of waste produced. This can lead to substantial cost savings. An EMS is not only concerned with the end product or service, but with the processes which go into producing it, and how these are managed and controlled. An EMS can be developed in house, or you can follow one of the recognised standards and be certified by an independent, qualified third party. If your company has few impacts then there will be less for your EMS to manage: The system should work for your business.

BENEFITS

• Cost Savings

Virtually all businesses with an EMS save money through reductions in raw material use, energy and water consumption and waste production.

• Improved Supply Chain Opportunities

More and more businesses are adopting an EMS and they often look at the effect their supply chain has on the environment. Some large corporations, such as BT, will only buy from businesses who have taken account of their environmental performance. Environmental management measures will put you in a better position to supply to large companies and keep those contracts. The Eastleigh Borough survey showed that 50% of the businesses saw meeting customer needs as a real benefit. 46% had been asked about their environmental performance by customers or in tender contracts. An EMS is an indicator of good practice, and can give potential customers confidence in your company.

• Legislative Compliance

An EMS will help ensure that you are complying with relevant legal requirements, and can anticipate any forthcoming changes, such as the Climate Change Levy which came in to force in April 2001. 33% of respondents who had an EMS, or were investigating one, considered legislative compliance a major benefit.

• Business Benefits

Implementing an EMS improves awareness of your business’s processes, which can lead to increased efficiency. Other business benefits include reduced environmental risk, reduced insurance premiums, improved relationships with regulators, and positive PR. Businesses in the Eastleigh Borough survey also reported improvements in health and safety records and waste minimisation, and increased morale in the company as other knock-on benefits.

COSTS AND CHALLENGES

• Resources

The two major costs identified by the survey were time and money. With the help of business clubs and other experts, the time needed can be reduced. Implementing in stages can spread the demand over a time span suited to your business. The cost of certification by a recognised body should also be taken into account.

• Challenges

The most common challenge found was changing the business’s attitude. This can be tackled through good communication, both with employees and top management. By involving staff from the start, employees feel a sense of ownership.