Creating an Environmental Management System (EMS)

Considerations in Setting Objectives and Targets
Tip Sheet: Determining Environmental Impacts
Tip Sheet: Walk-through Considerations

Table on Degree of Impact and Period of Occurrence
Table on Significance of Impacts

Creating an Action Plan
Action Plan Model (sample)
Tip Sheet: Techniques for Addressing Environmental Problems
Tip Sheet: Questions for Screening and Searching for Applications
Tip Sheet: Ways to Reduce Waste

Suggestions for Developing Prevention and Emergency Plans
Tip Sheet: Ways to Prevent Spills and Leaks

Selecting Staff for Training
Considerations in Assessing Employee Training Needs
Selecting Training Programs and Methods
Scheduling Training
Suggestions for Training
Tip Sheet: Insights into Adult Learning

Selecting Internal and External Target Audiences
Selecting Information to Share
Suggestions for Communication
Communication Procedures and Standards
Ways to Communicate with Staff, the Community and the Government
Maintaining the Flow of Information

Low-Cost Options with Immediate Payback
Tip Sheet: Writing the Financial Plan

Generally Measurable Items
Data Structure Model
Environmental Indicators and Concepts to Consider
Suggestions for Developing and Using Measurement System

Steps for Assessing the EMS
Assessment Procedures
Considerations for the Assessment Team
Considerations if Results Show Difficulties or Unreached Targets

Elements of the Continual Improvement Process
Considerations for Creating a New Action Plan

Considerations for Writing an Environmental Policy
Points to Address in an Environmental Policy

Emissions/Discharge
Energy
Energy Sources/Use
Insurance
Laws and Regulations
Packaging
Process Design/Operation
Paper
Product Design
Raw Materials
Site/Building
Solid and Hazardous Waste
Solid Waste Management
Storage On Site
Transport and Distribution
Waste
Waste Disposal
Water
Water Use/Discharge

Finding a Mentor to Help Develop an EMS
Process Optimization in Textile Dyeing
Energy Saving in Soap Production
Increased Raw Material Efficiency in Pulp and Paper Production
Toxic Waste Reduction in Chrome Plating
Rubber Reuse in Belt Manufacturing
Reuse of Chromium in Leather Tanning
Water Savings in Sugar Refining

Action Plan Form (sample)
Prevention Plan Form (sample)
Emergency Plan Form (sample)
Training Plan Form (sample)
Process Identification Plan Form (sample)
Material Identification Plan Form (sample)
Environmental Policy (sample)

Support Sources
Large Companies, Clients or Suppliers Acting as Mentors
Other SMEs
Expert and Local Technical Assistance
Extra Assistance
Consultants
Considerations in Hiring Consultants
Information Sources
Multinational Companies
Environmental Regulatory Agencies
AssociationsCustomers and Suppliers
The Internet
Support Material