Re: Introducing an EMS

In message <1145668506.682342.67260@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>,
jcgouldt <gouldy20@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> writes

I am thinking about introducing an Environmental Management System to
my small construction company.

Any thoughts on which one yet ?


I am wondering what company business
information I require in order to diagnose the existing position
regarding the development of the EMS.

Most EMS processes start with some sort of audit to establish which
issues it may be appropriate to consider (environmental aspects), and
which have significant consequences (environmental impacts).


What are the main areas where
environmental targets will be required??

In theory that depends what the audits established, but for a
construction company you can pretty much bet that

full statutory compliance

resource efficiency
in the choice of materials used (use of recycled)
in the efficient use of materials
in waste disposal (getting things recycled)

energy efficiency
in heating the buildings you work from
in vehicle fuel efficiency
in the way work is carried out
in the buildings you construct (up to a point)

water efficiency

and

reduction of pollution

will be among them.


My own view is that BS8555 has some odd defects and borrows heavily from
other standards anyway.

EMAS is probably way over the top for a small company.

That leaves ISO14001, which may also be over the top, but less so than
EMAS.

I guess it all depends how small the company is, and what you might get
out of it in terms of improved efficiency, environmental performance and
increased sales.

By all means call me on 0845 4561332 if you want to chat about this some
more.


Cheers, J/.
--
John Beardmore
.