Environmental Management Systems, Are They Right for You?

There are both benefits and challenges of integrating an Environmental Management System (EMS) into an organization. Whether these benefits outweigh the challenges will likely determine whether or not a company implements an EMS. Benefits of EMS include, setting up a standard framework for sustainability goals within a corporation, having greater control over their initiatives and having a way to constantly measure and improve performance. Challenges presented by Environmental Management Systems vary depending on company size, structure and the industry they operate within. Challenges associated with implementing an EMS may originate from any level of the governance structure, from owners to managers and employees (Kirkland and Dixon Thompson, 1999). Properly integrating an EMS will require people to understand the need for an EMS, including its costs and benefits. Employees of a company developing an EMS will need to accept that company culture may shift. Owners looking to implement an EMS may need to accept that if they do not have the tools, resources or talents to create an EMS internally, they may need to consult external specialists. Parties involved may also find it challenging to agree on which areas of the business will be addressed within the scope of the EMS. Although many challenges may present themselves when developing an EMS, this is common with any type of change a company endures. If those with the authority to make decisions decide the benefits of implementing an EMS outweigh the costs, they must be committed to making the necessary changes and sticking to them (Kirkland and Dixon Thompson, 1999).

As a sustainability manager, I would recommend companies conduct research on whether a Environmental Management System would be of current and future value to them. As there are both benefits and drawbacks to implementing an Environmental Management System, I believe it is best for the company to decide this for themselves with some guidance from someone who is well-versed in the area. Environmental Management Systems are one of many tools that exist to help companies work towards their sustainable development goals, if this tool is not the right fit for their company, I would suggest they keep looking until they find a tool that is better suited.

References

Kirkland, L. H. and Dixon Thompson. (1999). “Challenges in Designing, Implementing and Operating an Environmental Management System”. Business Strategy and the Environment. 8. 128 – 143.