The most commonly used framework for an EMS is the one developed by the International
Organization for Standardization (ISO) for the ISO 14001 standard. Established in 1996, this
framework is the official international standard for an EMS.
The five main stages of an EMS, as defined by the ISO 14001 standard, are described below:
1. Commitment and Policy
2. Planning
3. Implementation
4. Evaluation
5. Review
Figure 1: The continuous improvement cycle
The most
commonly used
framework for an
EMS is the one
developed by the
International
Organization for
Standardization
(ISO) for the ISO
14001 standard.
ENERGY/POWER QUALITY/SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENT SOLUTIONS
20
PROLIANCE ENERGY SOLUTIONS
Costs and Benefits of an EMS/EnMS
Internal
• Staff (manager) time
• Other employee time
(Note: Internal labour costs
represent the bulk of the EMS
/EnMS resources expended by
most organizations)
External
• Potential consulting
assistance
• Outside training of personnel
• Improved environmental energy
performance
• Enhanced compliance
• Pollution prevention
• Resource conservation
• New customers/markets
• Increased efficiency/reduced costs
• Enhanced employee morale
• Enhanced image with public, regulators,
lenders, investors
• Employee awareness of environmental
issues and responsibilities
Potential Costs
Potential Benefits
