The importance, and common sense, of environmental management systems and certification
It’s not just in times of recession that it makes sense to take steps to reduce outgoing costs; and the implementation of an effective environmental management system (EMS) is an important framework for effective cost reduction; ISO 14001, gained via a UKAS (United Kingdom Accreditation Services) regulated auditor, being the most appropriate EMS for most printing companies.
Along with reduced costs and environmental impact, ISO 14001 brings competitive advantage in the shape of new business opportunities and client retention. It’s a dynamic process and whereas several years ago the gaining of ISO 14001 was progressive, there is now an onus on companies to gain ISO 14001 to simply keep up with their competitors.
Oddly, considering the relative profile of the two environmental schemes EMAS pre-dates ISO 14001; it was not until 2001 that ISO 14001 was integrated as the environmental management system required for EMAS. EMAS is now the chosen scheme for progressive printing companies.
Environmental awareness and improvement, and, therefore, cost savings are taken to a different level and the (much needed) concepts of honesty, transparency and credibility introduced. It’s great news for print buyers: no more listening to unsubstantiated ‘green’ claims – everything you need to know about a printing company is in the Environmental Statement, which has been externally verified.
For a printing company with a well run EMS and that recognises the need to measure, record and analyse its performance in order to make improvements, EMAS is a relative formality. A full environmental review is required as is a formal committment to comply with all relevant legislation and achieve continual environmental improvements.
EMAS requires the publication of specific performance information and recognises the importance of staff participation; without which most environmental initiatives are doomed to failure.
Every detail, as well as how it was established, is externally verified before the Environmental Statement is approved; the same applies to the annual updates.
EMAS case study: Making Impressions