The implications for industry of internationally recognised environmental management system (EMS) standards

Goodchild, E

Abstract

The first industry standard for environmental management systems, BS 7750, was
published in the UK in September 1994. Since then we have seen the EC Ecomanagement
and Audit Scheme come into force in April 1995 and an international
environmental management system standard, ISO 14001, published in September
1996.
The EMS standards allow organisations to have their environmental management
systems externally assessed and approved. The first companies became registered to
BS 7750 in April 1995, with approximately 70 organisations gaining certification during
its first year of operation. Since then uptake of the standards has been steady but
slow with many companies delaying their decision until the implications of adopting
such a recognised approach have been clarified.
This research reviews the experiences of organisations adopting the standards during
their early years of operation. Key lessons are learnt from a three year Teaching
Company Scheme project designing and implementing an EMS for a large chemical
manufacturer. The author also draws on evidence obtained through a survey of
organisations gaining BS 7750 certification during its first year of operation and a
number of detailed case-studies.
The aim of the research is to identify and assess the implications for industry of the
EMS standards. Their impacts on business performance in terms of operational
efficiency, competitive advantage, legislative compliance, public image and staff
morale are assessed and their variability between organisations explained. The
resource commitments required to achieve certification are identified including
management time, capital expenditure, consultancy fees and certification charges.
Accounting mechanisms for comparing the costs and income associated with
environmental activities are reviewed and their applicability to monitoring the
performance of an EMS evaluated. The research concludes with the identification of
decision making criteria to assist companies in determining their environmental
strategy.

Citation

Goodchild, E. The implications for industry of internationally recognised environmental management system (EMS) standards. (Thesis). University of Salford

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Sep 22, 2011
• Publicly Available Date: Sep 22, 2011
• Award Date: Jan 1, 1999