Environmental Management System (EMS) - Its Evolution and the Role of Product Stewardship Programs on it, 2001 Environmental Conference Proceedings

Sergio F. Galeano--This paper reviews the evolution of EMS since the original British Standard BS 7750 throughout the ISO 14001, the European EMAS and the latest revisions to ISO 14001. Newer proposals have been created to reflect in the standard, management practices such as occupational safety and health and product design and development. The implications of these latest proposals are also discussed.

The paper examines the practical aspects for a corporation in its decision-making process about EMS. With the most recent move of major automobile companies requesting their suppliers with EMS (ISO 14001) certification or self-certification, the momentum for EMS as a more formal company practice increases. Companies not yet organized along the formal lines of more evidentiary information on their environmental management systems have the opportunity to align their existing environmental management system and others in a manner that will be more economical and will add value to their operations and products.

The paper makes the case that the most practical way to magnify such opportunity is to link these management systems (environmental, S&H, product safety) with the company’s principles and practices on product stewardship. Product stewardship is explained (without semantic shackles) in terms of an integrating mechanism with analytical and action tools to be utilized according to each company’s organization, culture and business/ecological vision. Gap analysis, Life Cycle and Risk Assessments tools and Hazard Control are discussed in more details with real-life examples.

Regardless of the difference existing among companies, product stewardship provides a coherent and cohesive mechanism that may make it possible for practicality, continuity and prevention to be factored in the environmental management system, existing or to be developed.