Standards
There are three standards for EMS : Eco Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS), BS8555 and ISO 140001. Within the UK the majority of companies have sort ISO 14001 accreditation while public authorities and service providers have tended towards the EMAS route.
Both BS 8555 and ISO 14001 are compatible with the quality management systems and the systems should complement each other.
BS 8555 was introduced in 2005 and is aimed at providing smaller organisations with a stepped approach to implementing an ISO 14001. There are six phases which a company can work through. Each stage can be separately accredited providing the company with the opportunity to demonstrate that it is working towards an EMS and has the principles in place. If going for ISO 14001, BS 8555 can provide a systematic approach.
A company can also decide to implement an informal system. An informal system is often used as a prequel to implementing a formal system and allows the company more flexibility in the manner in which they implement the system but can also mean that there is less commitment to the system. With an informal system it is important to maintain the momentum.
Please note that the information on these pages is geared towards ISO 14001, however they all have the basic principles in common.
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