What is an Environmental Management System?

CONTENT

• What is an environmental management system?
• What are the benefits of an environmental management system?
• For which companies is an environmental management particularly important?
• Which environmental management systems are there?
• What is an environmental management system according to ISO 14001?
• How do ISO 14001 and EMAS differ?
• How does DQS support you with ISO 14001 certification?

What is an environmental management system? 

A definition

An environmental management system is part of an organization's overall management system. It is used to manage environmental aspects, fulfil compliance obligations, and address risks and opportunities. It includes the development of an environmental policy and the structured implementation of processes – from material procurement and waste management to task allocation, process organization, employee training, and behaviour. The main goal is to improve environmental performance continuously.

A globally recognized standard for environmental management systems is ISO 14001. This standard helps organizations establish a comprehensive environmental management system and develop their processes systematically. It supports compliance with legal requirements and helps reduce environmental impacts such as soil and air pollution. Clearly defined roles and responsibilities ensure practical implementation and ongoing improvement. As a result, organizations around the world make a meaningful contribution to environmental protection through sustainable practices and responsible resource use.

To achieve certification to international standards, an independent auditor regularly reviews the implementation of your environmental management system and checks compliance with the applicable requirements. A certificate is issued only if all requirements are fulfilled.

What are the benefits of an environmental management system?

In most cases, implementing an environmental management system is voluntary – it is only legally required in specific instances, such as under the new IED 2.0 directive. However, there are many good reasons to integrate environmental protection into your daily business operations. Sustainable practices make sense both ecologically and economically.

Internal benefits

• A clear understanding of the environmental impacts of your products and services
• Strengthening in-house environmental protection measures
• Demonstrating conformance to internationally recognized standards
• Improving internal processes and workflows
•  Identifying risks and hazards at an early stage
• Enhancing transparency and traceability in environmental management
• Raising awareness and motivation among employees
• Gaining better financing conditions through proven environmental commitment

External benefits

• Ensuring systematic compliance with regulatory requirements
• Simplifying the demonstration of legal and other binding obligations
• Increasing credibility with customers and other interested parties
• Communicating environmental activities effectively, using environmental data and performance indicators
• Enhancing reputation with authorities and the public
• Gaining competitive advantages, as sustainability is now a key purchasing factor
• Reducing liability risks in the event of environmental incidents

Long-Term Advantages of Certified Systems

A certified environmental management system offers even more long-term advantages:

• Cost reduction: By acting proactively, using resources more efficiently, and reducing disposal costs
• Improved legal certainty: Clear procedures, defined responsibilities, and structured emergency preparedness help reduce liability risks
• Stronger market position: Stakeholders increasingly expect suppliers to demonstrate environmental responsibility
• Better relationships with authorities: Transparent data and credible environmental efforts foster trust
• Contribution to sustainability: Reduced resource consumption and environmental impact (e.g. circular economy) increase long-term viability
• Alignment with UN goals: ISO 14001 supports several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 13 (climate action), SDG 14 (life below water), and SDG 15 (life on land)
• Better financing terms: An environmental management system serves as risk management, which can improve creditworthiness and insurance terms
• Innovation potential: Considering environmental aspects in product development can open up new markets
• Higher employee motivation: Environmental awareness boosts engagement and often improves working conditions directly (e.g. through reduced chemical use)
   

For which companies is an environmental management particularly important?

Implementing an environmental management system is voluntary for most organizations. But given the growing environmental challenges, society increasingly expects businesses to act responsibly. Industries and commercial enterprises, in particular, contribute significantly to environmental pressures and are therefore expected to take action.

In many sectors, legal requirements already apply – for example, in handling hazardous substances or waste disposal. Waste management companies, for instance, must comply with the Ordinance on Specialized Waste Management Companies (EfbV). An EfbV certificate provides evidence of legal compliance.

At the same time, more and more organizations recognize the strategic value of effective environmental management. It enhances their image, provides a competitive edge, and is increasingly seen as a driver of long-term success.

How ISO 14001 supports structured environmental management

To effectively implement environmental and climate protection across the organization, a structured approach is essential. ISO 14001 – the globally recognized standard for environmental management systems (EMS) – provides a clear framework for planning, implementing, and reviewing environmental activities.

The standard defines responsibilities, sets out procedures, and helps organizations integrate environmental considerations into all relevant processes. It focuses on identifying and addressing environmental risks and opportunities across the entire product and service life cycle – always in line with legal and other compliance obligations.

At the heart of ISO 14001 lies the principle of continual improvement: driving environmental performance, reducing impacts, and strengthening sustainability – step by step, and system-wide.

Which environmental management systems are there?

The most well-known environmental management frameworks include ISO 14001 and the European Union’s Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS), as defined in Regulation (EU) 2017/1505 and Regulation (EC) No. 1221/2009.

ISO 14001 is implemented in over 180 countries and recognized worldwide. In Germany alone, over 18,000 organizational sites are certified to this standard (source: ISO Survey).

EMAS is specifically tailored to European organizations. It builds on ISO 14001 but includes additional elements, such as the regular preparation and publication of an environmental statement. Over 2,100 German sites are registered under EMAS.

Both systems help organizations pursue environmental goals systematically, document performance transparently, and comply with legal requirements.

What is an environmental management system according to ISO 14001?

ISO 14001 is a globally recognized standard for environmental management, first published in 1996. It helps organizations control their environmental aspects and improve performance in a measurable way. The current version (ISO 14001:2015) emphasizes the importance of aligning environmental performance with core business processes. It requires organizations to define measurable goals, collect environmental data, and demonstrate the effectiveness of their actions. A revised version of the standard is currently in development and expected in early 2026.

Key ISO 14001 requirements include:

• Defining the scope of the environmental management system
• Developing an environmental policy
• Setting environmental objectives and targets
• Identifying and evaluating significant environmental aspects
• Assigning responsibilities and authorities
• Addressing environmental risks and opportunities
• Meeting legal and other compliance obligations
• Communicating internally and externally
• Establishing emergency preparedness and response
• Conducting monitoring, documentation, internal audits, and management reviews

The ISO 14001 standard is based on the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle – a structured method for aligning environmental policy, objectives, and programs with daily operations.

How do ISO 14001 and EMAS differ?

The EMAS Regulation (Eco-Management and Audit Scheme), introduced by the European Community in 1993, provides a comprehensive system for environmental management and audits. It incorporates all ISO 14001 requirements and adds further obligations.

Key differences include:

• A detailed initial environmental review to assess the organization's current environmental status
• Preparation and regular publication of an environmental statement, which discloses key performance indicators and environmental practices
• Mandatory public communication on the organization’s environmental performance

In contrast, ISO 14001 only requires that relevant environmental information be communicated externally. It does not mandate public reporting in the form of an environmental statement.

Which management system is right for your companie?

Whether ISO 14001 certification or EMAS validation is the better option depends on your goals: Do you want to improve internal systems or also increase public transparency?

Each framework offers unique benefits and should be tailored to your organization’s specific needs. Because every organization is different, your environmental management system should reflect your structure, processes, and business strategy.

A non-binding conversation with an accredited certification body can help you evaluate the requirements and choose the right system for your environmental goals.

How does DQS support you with ISO 14001 certification?

DQS has been accredited to perform ISO 14001 certification audits and issue certificates since the standard’s initial publication. With nearly 30 years of experience, our auditors bring deep expertise in every major sector code recognized by the European co-operation for Accreditation (EA). That makes DQS a strong and reliable certification partner.

We work with you to schedule a certification audit tailored to your company’s size, complexity, and product scope. ISO 14001 certificates are valid for three years and require annual surveillance audits to maintain validity. These audits provide valuable insights and help your organization grow. Most importantly, they confirm the effectiveness and conformity of your environmental management system to the ISO 14001 standard.

The globally recognized DQS certificate proves your environmental commitment. Our certification mark is a trusted and visible symbol of your organization’s responsible and sustainable approach.

Expertise and trust

Our audits provide you with clarity. The holistic, neutral view of our experienced auditors on people, processes, systems and results shows how effective your management system is, how it is implemented and mastered. It is important to us that you perceive certification not as a test, but as an enrichment for your management system. Our claim always begins where audit checklists end.

In the audit, we specifically ask "why", because we want to understand the motives that led you to choose a certain way of implementation. We focus on potential for improvement and encourage a change of perspective. In this way, you can identify options for action with which you can continuously improve your management system. Take us at our word.

Please note: Our articles are written exclusively by our standards experts for management systems and long-standing auditors. If you have any questions about occupational health and safety management systems for the author, please contact us. We look forward to talking with you.