Environmental Management Systems

Abstract

This chapter gives an overview of the history of the development of environmental management systems (EMS) and the purpose of an EMS. It expands on the description of the different steps of an EMS under the model Plan-Do-Check-Act and clarifies the use of concepts within EMS. Companies are motivated by external pressure from stakeholders, national and international authorities, customers demanding greener products etc., as well as the ability to attract new employees and avoid negative publicity. Standards belonging to the ISO 14000-family for environmental management include both product-related standards and audit and evaluation standards.