a defined and documented process used to manage and continuously improve the environmental performance of an organization.

a tool for managing an organisation's impact on the environment. It provides a structured approach to planning and implementing environmental protection measures (Environment Australia website). ISO 14000 is a family of internationally recognised standards on environmental management systems (see ISO14000).

A rigorous management process that primary producers can use to improve and document their environmental management practices.

A series of activities designed to monitor and manage the environmental impacts of manufacturing activities.

This is the part of a company's overall management system that includes organisational structure, planning activities, responsibilities, practices, procedures, processes and resources for developing, implementing, achieving, reviewing and maintaining an environmental policy.

A documented set of rules, processes etc. by which an organization runs its environmental policy. One of the main requirements for certification to ISO 14001.

a management structure that allows an organisation to assess and control the environmental impact of its activities, products or services. The structure is systematic and based on a cycle of continuous improvement, known as the “Deming Cycle” – Plan, Do, Check, Review.

A tool used by companies to put their environmental policies into practice. An EMS ensures that environmental impacts are correctly identified and managed.

The part of the overall management system that includes organizational structure, planning activities, responsibilities, practices, procedures, processes and resources for developing, implementing, achieving, reviewing and maintaining the department's environmental policy and Sustainable Development Strategy.

Companies establish environmental management systems as part of their efforts to reduce their environmental impact. A system includes an organizational structure, planning, responsibilities, procedures, and processes for preparing environmental policies, implementing them, achieving the goals set in them, and reviewing/maintaining them. The policies are continuously improved in a PDCA (plan, do, check, act) cycle. The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) established the ISO 14001 international environmental management standards in 1996. As the system of inspection by, and registration (acquisition of certification) with, third-party organizations became more widespread, the term “environmental management system” came to be used in the environmental field. Back to glossary index

"A means of ensuring effective implementation of an environmental management plan or procedures and compliance with environmental policy objectives and targets."(European Environment Agency)

A series of interconnected business processes that achieves the organization's environmental objectives

A management approach which enables an organization to identify, monitor and control its environmental aspects. An EMS is part of the overall management system that includes organizational structure, planning activities, responsibilities, practices, procedures, processes and resources for developing, implementing, achieving, reviewing and maintaining the environmental policy.

The process used to administer the Environment Policy of the organisation, covering all aspects of environmental management within QR, including structure, planning, practices, procedures and resources.

A management system which includes the environmental structures, planning, responsibilities, methods, processes and resources in the company's operations.

Part of a general management system, consisting of organisation structures, planning functions, responsibilities, practices, procedures, processes and resources for developing, implementing, fulfilling, analysing and maintaining a companyÕs environmental policy.

The structures, plans and processes that are developed to manage the environment in an area. Also called "EMS".

A company's regular, documented description of how it acts in managing environmental affairs. The main components are the drawing up of an environmental policy, the setting and measuring of objectives as well as auditing.

(EMS) - The most far-reaching of the management approaches available to business. EMS includes supporting documentation and procedures as well as requirements for auditing, communication, training, review, emergency planning and clear definition of responsibilities for actions. Refer to the Environmental management systems (EMS) chapter for detailed information.

That part of the overall management system which includes the structure, practices, procedures and resources for the systematic implementation of the organization's own environmental policy.

Benefits: reduced risk of liabilty reduced operating costs improved corporate image increased productivity public health and environmental benefits worker health and safety improved global competitiveness Obstacles: technical limitations lack of information consumer preferences product quality decline economic concerns resistance to change regulatory barriers lack of markets management apathy institutional barriers lack of awareness confidential business information

A systematic approach for organizations to bring environmental considerations into decision making and day-to-day operations. It also establishes a framework for tracking, evaluating and communicating environmental performance. An EMS helps ensure that major environmental risks and liabilities are identified, minimized and managed.

The environmental management system (EMS) is part of a management system of an organization (enterprise, authority, etc.), in which specific competencies, behaviors, procedures and demands for the implementation of an operational environmental policy of the organization are defined.