Environmental Management in the Company – What Does It Involve?

Environmental Management in the Company – Implementation and Benefits

The Environmental Management System (EMS) is a global tool, extending beyond the European Union, which greatly improves the management of environmental aspects for organizations with various profiles. There are two main reference standards defining EMS requirements: the Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS) and ISO 14001. Both standards are based on relatively flexible requirements that allow each company to configure environmental management according to its profile and needs and identify the most effective solutions to improve performance.

Thus, environmental management includes all activities aimed at reducing the negative impact of the company on the environment, from the supply chain, through the company structure, to waste disposal. It involves, among other things, conscious selection of materials and suppliers, minimizing pollution caused by business activities, task division and process organization within the company, employee training and behavior, and procedures for implementing environmental policies. EMS is one of the most popular tools for systematic, targeted, and planned implementation of a company’s policies and goals in the area of sustainable development.

Similar to national environmental policies, companies also develop a four-year program that defines environmental objectives, priorities, types, and schedules of pro-ecological actions, as well as the resources necessary to achieve the set goals.

Benefits of Implementing Environmental Management in a Company

Although the introduction of an environmental management system is still voluntary, there are many reasons to incorporate environmental protection into daily business activities:

• It allows for systematic legal actions in the field of environmental protection and obtaining certification.
• It demonstrates compliance with legislative requirements related to business activities.
• It enhances the credibility of the organization in the eyes of customers, stakeholders, and the public.
• It builds a competitive advantage in the market.
• It minimizes the risk of liability in the event of environmental incidents.
• It helps identify organizational weaknesses and potential areas for savings.
• It reduces the cost of environmental liability insurance.
• It lowers operational costs by, for example, reducing the use of raw materials/resources, energy consumption, material usage, waste generation, and disposal costs, as well as utilizing renewable resources. These are just some of the benefits of implementing such a system.

ISO 14001 Certification and Environmental Management – Procedures and Requirements

Implementing an environmental management system is time-consuming and often requires restructuring the organization. It poses numerous challenges that demand increased involvement from employees and top management. The company structure often needs to be reorganized with a clear division of responsibilities and established task deadlines, followed by an internal audit.

One effective way to introduce systematic environmental management is to adopt the globally recognized ISO 14001 standard. It provides companies with ready-made solutions for designing an EMS. If a company seeks ISO 14001 certification, the environmental management system must meet predefined requirements. Key aspects that must be regulated or established within the organization include:

• Defining the scope of activities: environmental aspects and policies.
• Setting realistic environmental goals and tools to achieve them.
• Planning procedures and processes within the company (organizational structure).
• Securing human and financial resources (with a training program).
• Defining commitments (legal and others).
• Developing internal and external communication.
• Maintaining comprehensive documentation.
• Monitoring, measuring, and evaluating activities.
• Conducting internal audits and management reviews (audit reports, non-conformance reports, management reviews, etc.).
• Corrective actions and continuous improvement.

Benefits of Environmental Management – Economic and Social Perspective

The growing interest in environmental protection (especially in the face of the climate crisis) increases social pressure, particularly on companies that emit large amounts of air pollution and production waste. Social pressure is supported by environmental organizations and increasingly by national legislation or even higher-level bodies like the EU. Due to decreasing tolerance for environmental disregard and pressure from various interest groups, companies are turning to ready-made solutions, such as environmental management systems.

Such systematic approaches to sustainable business management help companies gather as much information as possible about their condition, opportunities, and risks associated with their activities, ultimately influencing both the societies they are part of and their financial outcomes.

Well-defined and planned actions, aligned with certifications like ISO 14001, enable long-term benefits and create opportunities for contributing to sustainable development through:

• Protecting the environment by preventing or mitigating adverse effects on the environment and local community.
• Supporting the company in meeting its compliance obligations.
• Continuously improving environmental performance.
• Controlling or influencing how the organization’s products and services are designed, executed, distributed, used, and disposed of by applying a life cycle perspective, preventing the unintentional transfer of impacts to other life cycle elements.
• Achieving financial and operational benefits from environmentally beneficial alternative solutions that strengthen the market position of the organization.
• Communicating environmental information to relevant stakeholders.

Challenges of Environmental Management – Strategies and Solutions

Environmental management is a process involving planning, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating actions aimed at protecting and preserving the natural environment. Challenges in this area are numerous and complex, but many strategies and solutions can help organizations effectively manage their environmental impacts. Key challenges currently faced by larger organizations, and eventually smaller ones, include:

• Climate Change: Promoting sustainable energy, investing in low-emission technologies, increasing energy efficiency, and promoting sustainable agricultural and production practices.
• Pollution: Managing pollution involves monitoring and controlling emissions, waste management, protecting surface and groundwater, and promoting sustainable industrial development.
• Biodiversity Loss: Biodiversity conservation requires protecting habitats, safeguarding endangered species, promoting sustainable agriculture and forestry, and managing protected areas.
• Natural Resources: Managing natural resources includes soil conservation, water resource management, sustainable forestry and agriculture, and managing mineral resources.
• Education and Awareness: Education and awareness-raising are crucial elements of environmental management, including public education, employee training, information campaigns, and promoting sustainable practices.
• Technology: Technology plays a key role in environmental management, from monitoring pollution and climate change to promoting sustainable energy and energy efficiency.
• Social Participation: Active social participation is crucial for effective environmental management, involving local communities, eco-CSR activities by companies, and partnerships between public, private, and community sectors.

There are many solutions, and each organization can implement corrective programs and eco-friendly initiatives contained within developed environmental management strategies and plans according to its capabilities.