Case Studies Environmental management systems (EMS)
Introduction
1) that environmental measures are bad investments,
2) that environmental management is only relevant for large and rich companies.
Historically, environmental measures were designed to reduce end-of-pipe emissions, and were a large financial burden. But recently, a more integrated approach which involves implementing environmental management systems and other environmental management tools has gained wider acceptance. In production, this integrated approach is sometimes known as Cleaner Production, Waste Minimisation, or Pollution Prevention. We welcome this new development, which INEM associations, affiliated Cleaner Production Centres and the INEM Secretariat are helping to promote and implement, and hope that the following case studies will serve as an inspiration to companies around the world to adopt an integrated and preventive approach.
The second myth, that environmental management is only relevant for large and rich companies, also can be laid to rest. Experience has shown that small- and medium-sized companies benefit from implementing environmental measures, and that environmental benefits translate into financial benefits. In the end, the examples provided prove the point that good environmental management is often common sense and leads to greater eco-(logical) and eco-(nomic) efficiency.