Today harmonised Environmental Management Systems (EMS) are widely adapted in the business world. As we know, environmental management systems first initiated in Japan (in the electronic industry) in the 1980?s and later spread to USA and Europe. In latter regions, EMS was adapted initially by high polluting industries such as chemical and power later it was gradually introduced to the other industries that had lesser environmental impacts.
Good Sides
Many construction companies all over the world are facing numerous environmental challenges. For instance, stringent and complex environmental laws and regulations, increasing compliance costs and heavy penalties for violation could affect any construction company?s survival in terms of profitability and growth. In addition to such growing challenges, increasing public demand for environmental concerns has catalysed the construction companies to think differently or look for innovative ways to improve or sustain their solvency.
It has also been proven by both small and large construction companies that a good EMS has many benefits, and that it?s a new way to compete successfully on the market that?s volatile.
It is a well-known fact that countless number of construction companies globally have immensely benefitted through implementation of EMS. For example, the benefits are many:
* Lowering costs through prudent use of resources and waste minimisation.
* Ability to comply with stringent environmental laws and regulations. Thereby, reducing risks delays and avoid penalties.
* Ability to monitor or keep track of environmental issues pertaining to all phases of construction projects.
* Increased competitiveness and explore market opportunities through environmentally friendly construction services offered to environmentally sensitive customers.
* Facilitate effective communication and dialogue among all stakeholders involved internally as well as externally. In other words, fostering better relationships with regulators or law enforcement agencies including the communities.
* Enhanced corporate image as a socially and ecologically responsible construction business, leading to LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification.
* Creating a highly involved (or motivated) and responsible staff or a responsive environmental team within the organisation
What makes an EMS effective?
If one has an EMS that?s effective, it means more than just having a healthy working environment on the outside. When one applies the Occupational and Healthy (OH&S) procedures, it means that healthy and safe working conditions will exist as well. Basically, EMS means that ISO14001 is implemented, while OH&S means that OHSAS18002:2008 is implemented. If one wants to have a good implementation of EMS in their business of construction, it means they have to mix OH&S and EMS together.
Precise rules are given in the ISO14001 for EMS. They are applied to environmental issues that should be under the control of construction company, while these also affect the overall performance.
Essentially, ISO14001 comprised of:
* Environmental Management System (EMS)
* Environmental Auditing
* Environmental Labelling
* Environmental Performance Evaluation
* Life cycle assessment (ISO 2002)
Basically any construction company is welcome to apply ISO14001, as its a standard that?s voluntary. It?s aim is to aid a firm to have control of activities regarding construction, activities that can affect the environment. There are 17 elements (divided in 5 key areas) that are specifically covered with it:
* Environmental Policy
* Planning
* Implementation and operation
* Checking and corrective action
* Management Review
ISO14001 has one main role and that is to aid a company in the field of construction to comply with regulations and laws about the environment all the time.
Any chosen Environmental Management System (EMS) is a process of management that is unique and its basic approach consists of the model Plan-Do-Check-Act. Every environmental aspect that has to do with actions of any construction company is examined within. It also aids companies to review, monitor, develop and revise their procedures and plans all the time, and also to improve all of their operations which may have an environmental impact.
EMS For A Modern Construction Business
To sum up, EMS is a helping tool for organizations that do modern construcions. Seeing as the customers are more and more environmentally concerned, the companies need to implement an EMS that?s effective, in order to be sustainable on the market and to survive on it. Here are some of its many advantages:
* Improved environmental regulatory compliance requirements
* Minimise risks and liabilities
* Appreciably reduce or minimise waste and pollution
* Enhance site Occupational, Health & Safety at the construction work place
* Substantial cost savings through increased performance and motivated staff
* Establishes procedures or system for continual improvement
* Enhance corporate image among all stakeholders such as investors, potential customers, community groups and regulatory authorities.
In the event that you tend to be looking for information pertaining to construction project management or construction safety plan, then take a look at the website right away and find the ideal offer for your preferences.
Source: http://business.redbright.co.za/environmental-management-systems-for-the-construction-industry/
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