Businesses like yours want to reduce waste and energy costs and use raw materials and resources more efficiently. Implementing sustainable practices, like Environmental Management Systems (EMS), can support this.
It also minimises legal risks, benefits reputation, and supports positive environmental contributions for you and your suppliers.
With regulatory pressures and stricter environmental laws, consumers also expect your business to address environmental concerns. Buyers are becoming more inclined to choose eco-friendly brands, making sustainability a key factor in purchasing decisions.
Gaining a competitive advantage isn’t just about winning more customers; a strong commitment to the environment helps attract top talent to your company and retain current employees.
The bottom line is that environmental responsibility is no longer optional; it’s necessary.
What is an Environmental Management System?
An Environmental Management System is an efficient and effective way for businesses of all sizes to improve sustainability and manage environmental impact. It provides a way of identifying, managing and improving environmental performance.
It’s also very cost-effective. It helps companies minimise waste and optimise resources while reducing pollution and complying with regulations.
By creating a suitable framework, your company lays the groundwork for sustainable goals, responsibility and commitment to your environment.
An EMS highlights potential environmental risks like resource use or waste production. It helps you understand where your company can improve and set clear goals for the future.
Putting an Environmental Management System into action includes:
- Creating an environmental policy
- Assessing and documenting aspects and impacts
- Identifying and understanding roles and responsibilities
- Compiling a legal register
- Setting up an internal auditing system
- Providing a documented system
- Carrying out training, including provision of training records
See our Environmental Management System page for the full list.
It’s essential to monitor environmental performance regularly by measuring things like carbon footprint and waste levels. Internal audits ensure compliance with environmental regulations.
These audits leave room for continuous improvement, where you can adjust your processes and improve performance over time.
Benefits of an Environmental Management System
It’s a given that having an EMS has environmental benefits like reducing waste and pollution and using resources more efficiently. But there are plenty of other advantages to support your business growth.
A sound Environmental Management System helps with cost savings. Companies like yours can often demonstrate at least a 10% saving on waste alone.
There is also the potential to reduce your insurance premiums and avoid regulatory fines. Strong compliance and risk management are essential for maintaining environmental responsibility and avoiding legal issues.
An EMS will give your company a competitive edge, too. You’ll meet your customers’ expectations for sustainability while building your corporate image.
ISO 14001: the international standard for EMS
Published in 2015, ISO 14001 is the globally recognised environmental management standard and sets out the framework for an effective Environmental Management System. It helps your company maintain profits while reducing its environmental impact.
What are the benefits?
- An ISO 14001 certification proves your commitment to sustainable management and positions you as an environmental leader
- Creates a structured approach to environmental management
- Helps with continuous improvement in environmental performance
- Offers an internationally recognised benchmark for internal and external evaluations
- Engages management and staff in achieving sustainability goals
Little Green Consulting: your EMS partner
Our team has over 15 years of dedicated experience in environmental consultancy. We offer comprehensive business management support services and constantly evolve while maintaining our focus on environmental support, planning and permitting.
We support your business in developing and implementing a bespoke Environmental Management System. We ensure it complies with environmental regulations while promoting sustainable practices.
Our team also creates integrated management systems that align with ISO standards, provides expert guidance in obtaining environmental permits, and delivers training programs and audits to help your company meet environmental and legal obligations.
Read our testimonials to learn more about how we’ve supported our clients.
Working with us to create a sound Environmental Management System is a smart investment that will keep your company compliant, boost efficiency, mitigate risks, and prove your corporate responsibility.
You’ll position your business for long-term success and contribute to a healthier planet. What’s not to like?
Ready to take the next step towards a more sustainable business? Get in touch with us on 01379 783918 or email lgcl@littlegreenconsulting.com.
Meanwhile, here’s what one of our clients says:
“Little Green Consulting Ltd has supported us with our management system frameworks at the Wellcome Genome Campus since 2013. Initially, with the implementation and ongoing support of our environmental management certification to BS EN ISO14001 and subsequently our energy management BS EN ISO50001 and Asset management BS EN ISO55001.
“LGCL are professional, knowledgeable and personable, bringing a high degree of expertise and value to our organisation and with our aspiration to achieve NetZero by 2030, their support will be invaluable to us achieving our future sustainability targets.”- Andy Gray, Head of Energy and Utilities, Wellcome Genome Campus
FAQs
What is an Environmental Management System (EMS)?
An EMS is a framework for your business to improve sustainability, manage its environmental impact and remain compliant.
How do I get an Environmental Management System?
The first step is to speak with experts like Little Green Consulting. We help you analyse your objectives, review existing policies, and build your new EMS framework.
Will an EMS save me money?
Absolutely. An Environmental Management System will bring cost savings; many companies see a 10% reduction in waste alone.
