Using environmental management systems to systematically improve operational performance and environmental protection

Environmental management systems (EMSs) provide industry an opportunity to manage their environmental affairs more effectively. An EMS is an effective management tool to measure and manage organizational operational performance and hone industry 'best management practices'. In the United States, government regulatory authorities are working with industry to establish innovative permit processing using ISO 14001 EMS specifications a minimum required. The objective is to improve environmental performance by providing industry the flexibility to be innovative and use the most appropriate and economical options. EMSs are expected to be a vehicle for an environmental regulatory enforcement paradigm shift.