EMAS, like ISO 14001, proposes an effective and flexible system to help organizations to continuously manage and improve their environmental work. However, in addition to including and enforcing compliance with each and every one of the requirements of ISO 14001, EMAS contains additional requirements.
A key factor distinguishing EMAS is the periodic provision of environmental information through an Environmental Statement (a public document which, drafted in a clear and concise manner, should include reliable and verified information on the organization's environmental performance and the outcome of Its actions, constituting an instrument of communication and transmission of environmental information).
The Community Environmental Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS) promotes the improvement of the environmental performance of organizations in all sectors.
With the existence of a Public Register of European companies affiliated to EMAS which is managed within the European Commission, EMAS provides an increase in business possibilities at the community level, given the growing demand from companies to demand their suppliers and offer its customers a reliable and recognized guarantee of good environmental management.
In addition to the advantages inherent in the implementation of an ISO 14001 environmental management system, companies that adhere to this European scheme will be able to obtain a number of benefits both externally and internally.
Environmental benefits:
- Improving environmental management by reducing environmental impacts.
- Stimulating ecological innovation in production processes.
Benefits of leadership and corporate image:
- Reinforcement and improvement of the corporate image.
- Increased credibility and trust vis-à-vis stakeholders, public authorities, citizens, shareholders, employees and other customers.
- Improvement of relations with the local community as the Environmental Declaration becomes public.
- Possibility of obtaining the AENOR Certificate of Environmental Management Systems, in a single and integrated process.
Economic and social benefits:
- Increase of business in the European area.
- Economic benefits in the medium and long term, thanks to the optimization of the management of environmental aspects.
- New business opportunities in the markets with green purchasing processes.
- Promotes the participation of workers in the environmental management of the company, which encourages staff and encourages teamwork.
- Communication of environmental commitment and risk prevention in a strategic sector.
