Environmental Management Systems for the Construction Industry ...

The world of modern business adapts widely the Environmental Management Systems which are harmonized. It is widely known that Japan was the first country to have initiated environmental management systems in their industry of electronics, and it was accepted in Europe and the Stated in the 1980's. These regions adapted it mostly for industries which are polluters (power and chemical industries), but as time went by, other industries accepted it as well, even if their environmental impact wasn't as high.

Benefits

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 widely known that a high number of construction companies all around the world felt benefits of EMS implementation, as follows:

* 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 does it mean when EMS is 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.

What is exactly needed for an EMS is stipulated by ISO14001, which can easily be applied to concerns regarding environment by construction organizations, meaning the organization needs to keep them under control. Also, these concerns can affect the organization's performance.

ISO14001 consists of the following:

* Environmental Management System (EMS)

* Environmental Auditing

* Environmental Labelling

* Environmental Performance Evaluation

* Life cycle assessment (ISO 2002)

In essence, ISO14001 is a voluntary standard that can be adapted by any construction organisation. It mainly helps the organisation to systematically control construction activities that have a detrimental effect on the environment. Specifically, it covers 17 elements or aspects clustered into five key areas:

* Environmental Policy

* Planning

* Implementation and operation

* Checking and corrective action

* Management Review

In essence, ISO14001 aids companies for construction to be in sync with current regulations and laws of environment, and it also improves the processes that have to do with the environment continually.

In reality, any Environmental Management System (EMS) is a unique management process which pursues Plan-Do-Check-Act model or approach. It introduces an agenda to examine all environmental aspects pertaining to operations of a construction company. Similarly, it helps the organisation not only to develop, implement, monitor, review, and revise action plans and procedures on continual basis but also improve the construction company's overall operations that have an impact on the environment.

EMS For A Modern Construction Business

EMS is here to be used by modern construction organizations. Concern for the environment is growing, meaning that construction companies have to implement an effective EMS if they want to be in top of the market. An effective EMS has the following 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.

Source: http://articles.pro2sell.com/business/environmental-management-systems-for-the-construction-industry.html

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