An Environmental Management System (EMS) helps an organization address its regulatory demands in a systematic and cost-effective manner. This proactive approach can help reduce the risk of non-compliance and improve health and safety practices for employees and the public. An EMS can also help address non-regulated issues, such as energy conservation, and can promote stronger operational control and employee stewardship. Basic Elements of an EMS include the following:

• Reviewing the organization’s environmental goals;

• Analyzing its environmental impacts and legal requirements;

• Setting environmental objectives and targets to reduce environmental impacts and comply with legal requirements;

• Establishing programs to meet these objectives and targets;

• Monitoring and measuring progress in achieving the objectives;

• Ensuring employees’ environmental awareness and competence; and,

• Reviewing progress of the EMS and making improvements.