Assessment of environmental management system performance in the Algerian companies certified ISO 14001

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to provide an immediate image about the reality of the EnvironmentalManagement System (EMS), as experienced by Algerian companies certified to ISO 14001. Design/methodology/approach - The adopted approach focused on the evaluation of different elements concerning the requirement of the reference ISO 14001, by the audit which constitutes the appropriate tool for the evaluation of such a system of management. Findings - The evaluation of different elements concerning the requirement of the reference ISO 14001 is highlighted by means of a statistical study supported by the use of software data. Research limitations/implications - This research has limitations that the authors plan to study in perspective: assessment of human and social perception of the EMS at the Algerian companies. Practical implications - The analysis of the obtained results allows putting forward the orientation that should be implemented by any Algerian companies, such as the selected ones in this study, for a real continued improvement of their environmental performances, with in the framework of a lasting protection of the environment. Originality/value - Interestingly, the paper shows that the success of the different elements concerning the requirements of ISO 14001, reflect the same conditions needed for the success of the improvement of the EMS.