Lesson2

EMS Standards and

Frameworks
Learning Objectives:
• Key environmental challenges and regulations.
• Explore various EMS standards and frameworks.
• Understand the ISO 14001 standard.
• Compare and contrast different EMS models.
Environmental Challenges

Environmental challenges refer to issues, problems, or crises affecting

the natural world and ecosystems, often driven by human activities.
Example: Climate change, marked by rising temperatures, sea level rise,
and extreme weather events due to increased greenhouse gas
emissions.
Environmental Regulations
Environmental regulations are laws and policies enacted by
governments to manage and mitigate environmental challenges,
protect natural resources, and promote sustainability.
Example: The Clean Air Act in the United States, which sets standards
to reduce air pollution and protect public health.
Timeline of Environmental Regulations and Their Impacts
1920s-1930s:
• Event: The Dust Bowl and its severe environmental and economic
consequences highlight the need for soil conservation.
• Regulation: The Soil Conservation Act of 1935 is enacted in the United
States, marking the beginning of federal involvement in environmental
protection.
1960s:
• Event: The publication of Rachel Carson's "Silent Spring" in 1962 raises
awareness about the dangers of pesticides like DDT.
• Regulation: The U.S. Congress passes the Clean Air Act (1963) and the
Clean Water Act (1972), signaling a significant commitment to
environmental protection.
1970s:
• Event: The first Earth Day is celebrated in 1970, galvanizing public
support for environmental causes.
• Regulation: The formation of the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) in 1970 consolidates environmental regulation and
enforcement.
1980s:
• Event: The Bhopal Disaster in 1984 highlights the need for
international cooperation on environmental issues.
• Regulation: The Montreal Protocol (1987) is adopted to phase out the
production of ozone-depleting substances.
1990s:
• Event: The Exxon Valdez oil spill in 1989 prompts a reevaluation of oil
spill response and regulations.
• Regulation: The U.S. Oil Pollution Act of 1990 strengthens regulations
related to oil spills.
2000s:
• Event: Climate change gains prominence as a global environmental
issue.
• Regulation: The Kyoto Protocol (2005) sets binding emissions
reduction targets for developed countries.
2010s:
• Event: The Paris Agreement in 2015 establishes a global framework to
combat climate change.
• Regulation: The U.S. Clean Power Plan (2015) and the European
Green Deal (2019) set ambitious goals for reducing greenhouse gas
emissions.
2020s:
• Event: The COVID-19 pandemic leads to temporary reductions in
pollution but also raises questions about long-term sustainability.
• Regulation: Countries continue to implement and strengthen
environmental regulations in response to the climate crisis.
Compliance: The act of adhering to and meeting the
requirements specified in environmental regulations.
Sustainability: The practice of managing resources in a way that
ensures they are available for future generations.
Prominent Environmental Challenges:
Example 1: Biodiversity Loss
-The deforestation of the Amazon rainforest is a significant driver of biodiversity
loss. When forests are cleared for agriculture or logging, countless species of plants and
animals lose their habitats, leading to declines in biodiversity.

Example 2: Plastic Pollution

- Discarded plastic bottles, bags, and packaging often find their way into
rivers and oceans, harming marine life. The Great Pacific Garbage Patch is a
well-known example of how plastic pollution can accumulate in large
concentrations, impacting marine ecosystems and posing a significant
environmental challenges.
ISO 14001
ISO 14001 is a globally recognized standard developed by the International
Organization for Standardization (ISO) that outlines the requirements for
establishing, implementing, maintaining, and continually improving an
Environmental Management System (EMS) within an organization.
Why ISO 14001 is Important?
1.Environmental Responsibility: ISO 14001 helps organizations take a proactive
approach to environmental management, demonstrating their commitment to
environmental responsibility. This can enhance their reputation and credibility
among stakeholders, including customers, partners, and the public.
2.Legal Compliance: ISO 14001 assists organizations in identifying and complying
with relevant environmental laws and regulations. By staying in compliance,
organizations can avoid legal issues and associated fines.
3.Cost Reduction: Implementing ISO 14001 often leads to more efficient resource
use and waste reduction. By minimizing energy consumption, water usage, and raw
material wastage, organizations can reduce operational costs and improve
profitability.
4. Risk Management: ISO 14001 helps identify and manage environmental risks
and opportunities. By addressing potential environmental issues early,
organizations can avoid crises that may harm their business and reputation.
5. Competitive Advantage: Many customers and clients prefer to do business with
environmentally responsible organizations. ISO 14001 certification can give
companies a competitive edge in the market and open up new business
opportunities.
6. Sustainability: ISO 14001 encourages sustainability by promoting the
conservation of resources, reduction of emissions, and responsible waste
management.
7. Continuous Improvement: The standard emphasizes a cycle of continuous
improvement, encouraging organizations to set environmental objectives, monitor
progress, and make regular updates to their EMS. This ensures that environmental
performance is always improving.
8. Global Recognition: ISO 14001 is internationally recognized and accepted. It
provides a common language for organizations and stakeholders worldwide,
making it easier to collaborate and trade with partners around the globe.
Clark Water Corporation has renewed its ISO certifications, taking it up
a notch this year by securing the new version of the three standards –
ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System, ISO 14001:2015
Environmental Management System, and re-certification of BS OHSAS
18001:2007 Occupational Safety and Health Management System.
Clark Water is the only subsidiary of Manila Water to be certified on the
three Quality, Environment, Health and Safety (QEHS) standards.
Bio-Tech is now ISO 14001:2015 Certified
• Bio-Tech Environmental Services Phils., Inc. is happy and proud to
announce that we have just transitioned from ISO 14001:2004 to ISO
14001:2015 — the latest version of the international standard for
environmental management systems — to ensure protection and
preservation of a healthy and safe environment in all our activities
through the adaptation of a risk-based thinking.
• The company voluntarily applied for ISO 14001 certification and was
able to successfully obtain certification on October 13, 2011, making
us the First ISO 14001 Certified Pest Control Company in the
Philippines.
EMS Models Vs Environmental Management
Frameworks
1. EMS (Environmental Management System) Models:
• An EMS is a structured approach to managing an organization's environmental
responsibilities and impacts. It provides a framework for organizations to
systematically identify, assess, manage, and continuously improve their
environmental performance.
• EMS models, such as ISO 14001 (an internationally recognized standard for EMS),
outline a set of requirements and guidelines that organizations can follow to
establish and maintain their environmental management system.
• EMS models are often used by organizations to achieve specific environmental
objectives and targets, monitor compliance with environmental regulations, and
enhance their overall sustainability.
2. Environmental Management Frameworks:
• Environmental management frameworks are broader in scope and can
encompass various tools, methodologies, and approaches used to guide and
structure an organization's overall approach to environmental management.
• These frameworks often include not only EMS models like ISO 14001 but also
other elements such as sustainability reporting, environmental impact
assessments, risk assessments, stakeholder engagement, and more.
• Environmental management frameworks help organizations develop a
comprehensive strategy for addressing environmental issues, including legal
compliance, sustainability, resource efficiency, and social responsibility.
 Comparing and Contrasting Environmental Management
System (EMS) Models
EMS models typically refer to specific frameworks or approaches that
organizations can use to structure and implement their environmental
management practices.
ISO 14001:
ISO 14001 is an internationally recognized standard for environmental
management systems. It provides a structured framework for organizations to
establish, implement, maintain, and improve their environmental management
processes.
• Example: A manufacturing company implements ISO 14001 to reduce its
energy consumption, waste generation, and greenhouse gas emissions. They
establish procedures for monitoring and controlling these environmental
aspects and regularly assess their compliance with the standard.
EMAS (Eco-Management and Audit Scheme):
EMAS is a European Union regulation that goes beyond ISO 14001 by
requiring organizations to undergo third-party verification and to publicly
disclose their environmental performance data.
• Example: A European chemical company registers under EMAS and
commits to conducting regular environmental audits and reporting results
to the public. This demonstrates their commitment to transparency and
continuous improvement in environmental performance.
Six Sigma DMAIC:
DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control) is a structured
problem-solving methodology used in EMS to address specific environmental
issues or inefficiencies. It aims to reduce variations and defects in processes.
• Example: An electronics manufacturer uses the DMAIC approach to reduce
the use of hazardous chemicals in its production process. They define the
problem, measure current chemical usage, analyze the causes of overuse,
implement improvements (e.g., process changes), and establish control
measures to ensure continued reduction in chemical usage.
Company: Toyota Motor Corporation
Environmental Management Framework (EMF):
Toyota has a well-established and renowned environmental
management framework that guides its sustainability efforts. Their
framework is comprehensive and aligns with their commitment to
minimizing environmental impacts while producing high-quality
vehicles.
Environmental Management Models (EMMs) Used by Toyota:
1.ISO 14001 EMS (Environmental Management System):
Toyota has adopted ISO 14001, a widely recognized standard for environmental
management systems, across its global operations. This EMS model provides a
structured approach to managing environmental impacts and continuous
improvement.
2.Toyota Environmental Challenge 2050:
As part of their framework, Toyota has set ambitious sustainability goals, known as
the "Toyota Environmental Challenge 2050." These goals include reducing carbon
emissions, promoting recycling, and enhancing the sustainability of their products.
3.Total Quality Environmental Management (TQEM):
Toyota integrates environmental considerations into its Total Quality Management
approach, emphasizing the importance of environmental responsibility in all
aspects of vehicle design, manufacturing, and operations.
4.Kaizen (Continuous Improvement):
The company's commitment to the Kaizen philosophy extends to environmental
management. Toyota encourages employees at all levels to continuously
identify and implement improvements in environmental performance.
5.Lean Manufacturing and Waste Reduction:
Toyota's production system, often referred to as "Toyota Production System" or
"Lean Manufacturing," focuses on reducing waste, which includes minimizing
resource usage and energy consumption in manufacturing processes.
6.Hybrid and Fuel Cell Technology Development:
Toyota invests heavily in the development of hybrid and fuel cell technologies
to reduce the environmental impact of its vehicles. Models like the Toyota Prius
and Mirai represent their commitment to sustainable transportation
7.Supplier Engagement:
Toyota works closely with its supply chain partners to promote
sustainable practices and reduce the environmental footprint of the
entire automotive industry.
8.Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Standards:
Toyota follows the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Standards for
sustainability reporting, ensuring transparency and accountability in their
environmental performance reporting.