Environmental Management Systems Review PDF

**LESSON 1** *Environment* - total of all the living and non-living elements and their effects that influence human life. biotic elements - animals, plants, forests, fisheries, and birds abiotic elements - water, land, sunlight, rocks, and air ENVIRONMENT FUNCTIONS 1.*Provides the supply of res...

**LESSON 1** *Environment* - total of all the living and non-living elements and their effects that influence human life. biotic elements - animals, plants, forests, fisheries, and birds abiotic elements - water, land, sunlight, rocks, and air ENVIRONMENT FUNCTIONS 1.*Provides the supply of resources* - It includes both renewable and non-renewable resources. 2.*Sustains life* - by providing genetic and biodiversity 3.*Assimilates waste* - production and consumption activities generate waste 4.*Enhances the quality of life* -- human beings enjoy the beauty of nature *Management* -- process of getting the work or the task done that is required for achieving the goals of an organization in an efficient and effective manner. *Environmental Management* -practice of organizing human activities in order to limit their impact on the natural environment. -processes for summarizing, monitoring, reporting, developing and executing the environmental policies. -puts in place strategies to conserve energy, water and resources and to reduce impacts on environment. *System-* principles or procedures according to which something is done; organized framework or method *EMS* - a structured and systematic approach that organizations adopt to effectively manage their environmental impacts. 1.SYSTEMATIC APPROACH -- methodical and structured approach. 2.MANAGING ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS -- organizations interact with the environment in various ways. 3.PLANNING -- must set clear environmental goals and objectives. 4.IMPLEMENTING -- need to put them into action. 5.EVALUATING -- mechanisms for assessing how well an organization's EM efforts are working. 6.IMPROVING - use the information gathered during the evaluation phase to identify areas for improvement. EXAMPLES OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS: ***1.Green Building Certification (e.g., LEED -- Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)*** It provides a framework for designing, constructing, and operating buildings that are environmentally responsible and resource-efficient. ***2.Energy Management System (following ISO 50001)*** organizations that implement ISO 50001 aim to increase energy efficiency, reduce energy consumption, and lower greenhouse gas emissions. ***3.Waste Management System (in a manufacturing facility)*** involves the systematic handling, reduction, and disposal of waste generated during production processes. **Overview of the historical development and context of Environmental Management System** 1.Early Environmental Awareness (19^th^ -- Early 20^th^ Century) \- concerns about pollution and resources depletion began to emerge \- saw the formation of the world's national park, Yellowstone (1872) 2.Emergence of Environmental Regulations (Mid -- 20^th^ Century) \- Rachel Carson's "Silent Spring" in 1962, awareness about the harmful effects of pesticides. \- Santa Barbara oil spill (1969) and Earth Day (1970), galvanized public support for environment protection. \- governments worldwide began to enact environmental regulations, \- such as U.S Clean Air Act (1963) and Clean Water Act (1972) \- the formation of U.S Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 1970 3.ISO 14000 Series (1990s) \- providing a framework for EMS development \- published in 1996, became the cornerstone standard for EMS worldwide 4.Corporate Environmental Responsibility (Late 20^th^ Century) \- recognized the need for environmental responsibility to meet stakeholder expectations. \- Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) gained traction, leading companies to adopt EMS as a tool. 5.Globalization and Sustainability (21^st^ Century) \- increased the interconnectedness of economies and supply chains. \- embracing sustainable practices, could improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance reputation. 6.Regulatory and Consumer Pressures (21^st^ Century) \- growing regulatory pressures continued to shape EMS development, with stricter environmental laws being enacted globally. 7.Advancements in Technology and Reporting (21^st^ Century) \- have empowered organizations to better manage and report on their environmental performance. \- Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) have enhanced transparency and accountability. 8.Global Climate Change Concerns (21^st^ Century) \- to address their carbon footprint and implement strategies like carbon accounting and reduction targets. 9.Future Directions (Ongoing) \- continue to evolve as organizations adapt to emerging environmental challenges and opportunities. **LESSON 2** *Environmental challenges* -- refer to issues, problems, or crises affecting the natural world and ecosystems. *Environmental regulations* -- laws and policies enacted by governments to manage and mitigate challenges. TIMELINE OF ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATIONS AND THEIR IMPACTS 1920s-1930s Event: The Dust Bowl and its severe environmental and economic consequences. Regulation: The Soil Conservation Act of 1935 is enacted in the United States 1960s Event: Rachel Carson\'s \"Silent Spring\" in 1962 raises awareness about the dangers of pesticides. Regulation: The U.S. Congress passes the Clean Air Act (1963) and the Clean Water Act (1972) 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 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) 2020s Event: The COVID-19 pandemic leads to temporary reductions in pollution. Regulation: Continue to implement and strengthen environmental regulations in response to the climate crisis. **COMPLIANCE** -- act of adhering to and meeting the requirements specified in environmental regulations. **SUSTAINABILITY** - practice of managing resources in a way that ensures they are available for future generations. **Prominent Environmental Challenges** *Example 1:* The deforestation of the Amazon rainforest is a significant driver of biodiversity loss. *Example 2:* Discarded plastic bottles, bags, and packaging often find their way into rivers and oceans, harming marine life. ***ISO 14001*** 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: take a proactive approach to environmental management. 2.Legal Compliance: identifying and complying with relevant environmental laws and regulations. 3.Cost Reduction: by minimizing energy consumption, water usage, and raw material wastage. 4.Risk Management: helps identify and manage environmental risks and opportunities. 5.Competitive Advantage: many customers and clients prefer to do business with environmentally responsible organizations. 6.Sustainability: promoting the conservation of resources, reduction of emissions, and responsible waste management. 7.Continuous Improvement: encouraging organizations to set environmental objectives, monitor progress 8.Global Recognition: internationally recognized and accepted. ***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]* BS OHSAS 18001:2007 *[Occupational Safety and Health Management System.]* ***Bio-Tech is now ISO 14001:2015 Certified*** -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. **EMS MODELS VS. EM FRAMEWORKS** **1.EMS MODELS** \- managing an organization\'s environmental responsibilities and impacts. \- outline a set of requirements and guidelines that organizations can follow to establish \- often used by organizations to achieve specific environmental objectives and targets, monitor compliance with environmental regulations, and enhance their overall sustainability. **2.EM FRAMEWORKS** \- develop a comprehensive strategy for addressing environmental issues. \- 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. **Comparing and Contrasting Environmental Management System (EMS) Models** ***EMS models*** refer to specific frameworks or approaches that organizations can use to structure and implement. **ISO 14001** -internationally recognized standard for environmental management systems. ex.: A manufacturing company implements ISO 14001 to reduce its energy consumption, waste generation, and greenhouse gas emissions. **EMAS (Eco-Management and Audit Scheme)** -European Union regulation that goes beyond ISO 14001 by requiring organizations to undergo third-party verification and to publicly disclose their environmental performance data. ex.: A European chemical company registers under EMAS and commits to conducting regular environmental audits and reporting results to the public. **Six Sigma DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control)** \- a structured problem-solving methodology used in EMS to address specific environmental issues or inefficiencies. ex.: An electronics manufacturer uses the DMAIC approach to reduce the use of hazardous chemicals in its production process. ***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): this EMS model provides a structured approach to managing environmental impacts and continuous improvement. 2.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): emphasizing the importance of environmental responsibility in all aspects of vehicle design, manufacturing, and operations. 4.Kaizen (Continuous Improvement): Toyota encourages employees at all levels to continuously identify and implement improvements in environmental performance. 5.Lean Manufacturing and Waste Reduction: 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. 7.Supplier Engagement: Promote sustainable practices and reduce the environmental footprint of the entire automotive industry. 8.Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Standards: sustainability reporting, ensuring transparency and accountability in their environmental performance reporting. **LESSON 3** **Stages of EMS Implementation (Plan-Do-Check-Act)** The PDCA cycle is a framework for continuous improvement in EMS. *Planning* (identifying environmental aspects and setting goals) *Doing* (implementing processes and procedures) *Checking* (monitoring and measuring performance) *Acting* (making improvements based on data) Example: *PLAN - An organization starts by identifying its energy consumption* *DO - Implements energy-efficient practices* *CHECK - It regularly monitors energy use* *ACT - Makes adjustments like installing energy-saving equipment* ***EMS Implementation Plan*** - comprehensive document that outlines an organization\'s environmental goals, strategies, responsibilities, timelines, and resources needed to achieve environmental objectives. Ex.: A manufacturing company creates an EMS implementation plan that includes targets to reduce water usage by 20% in one year. **WATER USAGE REDUCTION** *Strategies: Milestones:* 1.Upgrade Water Recycling Systems 1. Month 1-2: Assess Current Water Usage 2.Employee Training 2. Month 3-4: Develop and Begin Training Program 3.Quaterly Progress Assessments 3. Month 5-6: Upgrade Water-Recycling Systems 4.Monitoring and Reporting 4. Month 7-9: Ongoing Monitoring and Adjustments 5\. Month 10-12: Evaluate Progress and Set Targets for next yr. **Key stakeholders in EMS implementation** *1.TOP MANAGEMENT* - senior executives and leaders within the organization who provide leadership and commitment to the EMS. *2.EMPLOYEES* - the organization play a crucial role in EMS implementation. *3.REGULATORY AUTHORITIES* - government agencies and regulatory bodies set environmental laws and standards. *4.CUSTOMERS* - increasingly value environmentally responsible businesses. *5.SUPPLIERS* - provide materials, products, and services to the organization. **LESSON 4** *Environmental Policy* a formal statement or document that outlines an organization\'s commitment to environmental sustainability and its goals and objectives regarding environmental protection. *Policy Statement* a concise declaration of the organization\'s commitment to environmental responsibility and principles. **Key Elements of Policy Statements** The essential components of a policy statement include: - Title - Purpose - Scope - Definitions - Policy statement - Responsibilities - Procedures - Compliance and enforcement - Review and revision - Effective date ***Environmental Planning:*** The process of developing strategies, programs, and actions to achieve environmental goals and objectives. ***Goal Setting:*** The establishment of specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) objectives to guide environmental initiatives. ***Environmental Aspects:*** Identifiable elements of an organization\'s activities, products, or services that interact with the environment. ***Environmental Impacts:*** The consequences, both positive and negative, of environmental aspects on the environment. **LESSON 5** ***Cleaner production*** is an approach to designing, producing, and using goods and services in a way that minimizes environmental impacts while optimizing resource efficiency. **CHARACTERISTICS:** 1.Pollution Prevention: preventing pollution at the source rather than treating it after it has been generated. It aims to eliminate or reduce the generation of harmful substances and waste. 2.Resource Efficiency: emphasizes the efficient use of resources, such as raw materials, energy, and water, to reduce waste and lower production costs. 3.Life Cycle Perspective: considers the entire life cycle of a product, from raw material extraction to manufacturing, distribution, use, and disposal. 4.Product Redesign: involves redesigning products and processes to make them more environmentally friendly. 5\. Employee Training and Awareness: encourages employee training and awareness programs to foster a culture of sustainability within organizations. 6\. Compliance with Regulations: It ensures adherence to environmental regulations and standards, promoting legal and ethical business practices. 7\. Cost Savings: lead to reduced waste disposal costs, lower energy consumption, and increased overall efficiency, resulting in significant cost savings for businesses. **TOOLS FOR CLEANER PRODUCTION EVALUATIONS:** 1.Material Flow Analysis (MFA) is a systematic approach to tracking the flow of materials and resources within a production process or system. It helps identify inefficiencies, waste generation, and opportunities for improvement. 2.Energy Efficiency Analysis this tool assesses the energy consumption within a production process to identify opportunities for reducing consumption and improving efficiency. 3.Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is a comprehensive method for evaluating the environmental impacts of a product or process throughout its entire life cycle, from raw material extraction to disposal. 4.Water and Wastewater Audits these audits assess water consumption and wastewater generation within a facility to reduce water usage and minimize the environmental impact of wastewater discharge. 5.Pollution Prevention Assessment (PPA) identifies and reduces pollution sources in industrial processes. Identifies pollution sources and mitigation strategies, promoting regulatory compliance and cleaner production. ***Ecodesign*** also known as sustainable design or green design, is an approach to product and process design that integrates environmental considerations and sustainability principles into every stage of the design and development process. **KEY PRINCIPLES AND FEATURES OF ECODESIGN:** 1.Life Cycle Thinking: Ecodesign takes into account the entire life cycle of a product or system, considering aspects such as material selection, energy use, emissions, and waste generation at each stage. 2.Resource Efficiency: It aims to maximize the efficient use of resources, reduce waste, and minimize resource depletion. This includes using renewable materials, recycling, and reusing components whenever possible. 3\. Energy Efficiency: Ecodesign focuses on reducing energy consumption during the production, use, and disposal of products. This can involve designing products that use less energy or selecting energy-efficient manufacturing processes. 4.Minimization of Environmental Impact: Ecodesign seeks to minimize negative environmental impacts, such as air and water pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and habitat destruction. 5\. Reducing Toxicity: It aims to eliminate or minimize the use of hazardous substances in products, which can be harmful to both the environment and human health. 6\. Durability and Longevity: Ecodesign encourages the creation of products that are durable and have a longer lifespan, reducing the need for frequent replacements and, therefore, the overall environmental impact. 7.Ease of Recycling and Disposal: Products should be designed with materials that are easy to recycle, and end-of-life disposal options (such as recycling or composting) should be considered. 8.User-Friendly and Inclusive Design: Ecodesign also takes into account user needs and experiences, ensuring that sustainable products are practical and meet consumer expectations. 9.Compliance with Regulations: Designers should adhere to environmental regulations and standards while developing products to ensure legal compliance.