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The EU Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS) is a management tool for companies and other organisations to evaluate, report and improve their environmental performance. Since 2001 EMAS has been open to all economic sectors including public and private services. Participation in EMAS is voluntary.
The system is based on the EMAS Regulation (EC) 761/2001 of the European Parliament, and integrates the standard EN ISO 14001:2004. The Environmental Management System as part of EMAS is based on EN ISO 14001 and it is enriched with additional requirements, as shown below:
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TOPIC
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EMAS
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EN ISO 14001:04
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Legislation
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There is legislative basis (EC 761/2001)
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There is no legislative basis, only the standard EN ISO 14001:2004
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Environmental Policy
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Commitment for improving the environmental performance
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Commitment for improving the performance of the System
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Initial Environmental Review
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An initial environmental review is required
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Not required but recommended
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External Communication
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An open dialogue with the public is required
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A response to issues raised by shareholders is required
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Engaging employees
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An active participation of workers is required
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Not required
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Annual Environmental Statement
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Require annual Environmental Statement, with reference to environmental parties, measures, targets, measurements, report.
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Not required
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Information Services
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Verification and validation of the Environmental Statement
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Not required
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Logo Use
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use of the EMAS logo
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No
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The objectives of EMAS are:
- continuous improvement of environmental performance of all organizations based in Europe, public and private
- recognition of those organizations that have adopted environmental management systems
- disclosure of the environmental progress of these organizations to the public for both its own reward and to encourage other to follow the same path
Participation in EMAS is confirmed using the logo of the EMAS.
In any case, the Eco Management and Audit Scheme EMAS, has almost the similar requirements with those of the standard EN ISO 14001:2004.
One objective of EMAS is to improve environmental performance, achieved through:
- Implementing methods to reduce wastage of energy resources and materials
- Application of recovery methods and reuse of materials
- Waste separation and recycling
- Reducing energy and water consumption
Easily one can conclude that the above actions are in full agreement with all the efforts of companies and enterprises to reduce operational costs.
The environmental benefit and the economic benefit are in the same direction, and the Environmental Management and Eco-Management and Audit Scheme EMAS is covering the above purposes
In addition, environmental legislation should be the basis for the development of an Environmental Management System.
PRIORITY with the experience of more than 800 certified management systems in all sectors of the economy is able to lead companies in developing environmental management systems and finally to certification.
PRIORITY also trains the personnel on the processes application, waste management guidelines and practices of savings resources and cost reduction.
Finally, after certification, PRIORITY undertakes the effective maintenance of environmental management systems, through staff awareness training, verification of compliance with procedures and instructions, and updated environmental legislation.
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