Measuring the effectiveness of Environmental Management Systems

www.ni-environment.gov.uk
Implementation of Recommendations:
Respondents were asked to outline the key recommendations, and to what
extent they had implemented them:
Of the 47 that were implementing, or had implemented, the suggestions,
98% felt their business’ environmental performance had improved, and they
were subsequently asked to comment on the benefits. At the time of survey:
• Two businesses had achieved ISO 14001 following completion of the
programme;
• One business achieved ISO 9000 accreditation;
• A number of businesses confirmed that it gave them a greater
understanding of environmental recycling issues; and
• A number of businesses confirmed that their costs and waste had
reduced
Summary
Measuring the Effectiveness of Environmental Management Systems: Phase 1
Throughout this survey, there are two prevalent themes: firstly, compliance
with legislation; and secondly, cost reduction through improved efficiency.
There is no doubt that the availability of EASS meant that many businesses
went through the formal audit process that otherwise may not (85%
claim financial support was a key factor in their decision to undertake an
Audit) – but that virtually all felt this had led to an improvement in their
environmental performance (98% of those implementing recommendations).
A third of whom went on to make further investments, and almost half of
all respondents were now setting quantifiable targets for environmental
improvement.
Invest NI had also sponsored the “Environmental Management System
Support Scheme (EMSS)”. This scheme operated for a shorter duration than
the Environmental Audit Support Scheme and provided up to 75% grant on
consultancy and certification fees for businesses seeking to implement an
EMS to a recognised standard. A large number of companies participating
in the EASS will have gone on to avail of the EMSS to assist with the
achievement of ISO 14001 accreditation. While this scheme has now ceased,
unfortunately, Invest NI were unable to provide information on analysis
undertaken under the EASS programme.
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