A quality Environmental Management System (EMS) provides not only tracking and monitoring tools to ensure compliance, but also the ability to make decisions to keep improving performance and progressing forward. It used to be that businesses only had to worry about whether they were in the black or the red, but as environmental concerns grow, attention has turned to another color: green. Chances are your business has to contend with a mix of governmental regulations, industry standards, corporate policies and customer requests related to your impact on the environment.
With so many factors to consider, it can be difficult to ensure that your business is compliant on all levels and not overspending along the way. This is where environmental management system software comes in.
When the time comes to begin a new project, whether it’s a product launch or breaking ground on a new location, environmental impact becomes a big question. Before moving forward, your business has to consider sustainability, your carbon footprint, and the management of any waste created by the project.
The goal, as always, is to balance what your business needs versus what is best for the environment. Being aware of any impact on the local ecosystem, and any difficulties in dealing with waste water, air pollution, and the disposal of any hazardous materials involved in the project is crucial.
A quality EMS software solution can look at all the factors and help your business determine the best course of action. It can perform environmental risk assessment based on a customizable list of industry standards and corporate mandates, as well as provide the data needed to move forward.
Environmental Management Systems: Track and Manage Risk
Any new project carries with it numerous risks. Through use of environmental management system software, businesses can track and manage the risk of costly and time-consuming incidents that can derail the project. Proper risk assessment ahead of time is key to the success of a new undertaking.
Integrating EMS software into environmental risk assessment processes allows businesses to analyze the risks of the current project. However, using the data from previous risk assessments and incident reports to plan better for future projects is key. Having all the data at your fingertips makes it quicker and easier to provide environmental impact reports and other key information.
Environmental Management Systems: Monitor Efficacy
Environmental management system software allows businesses to track the efficacy of risk prevention and waste management initiatives over the course of any new project. By analyzing the data, they can determine the following:
- Which initiatives are working as intended
- Areas in need of improvement
- Programs that may require additional employee training for full compliance
- Initiatives that are simply failing to deliver results and need to be replaced
Close monitoring of the efficacy of environmental impact initiatives can save your company money in the long run, by ensuring resources aren’t wasted on under-performing programs. Additionally, by tracking compliance with waste management and other regulations, businesses can avoid costly fees from the government and municipal organizations.
Final Thoughts
Environmental impact is too important to leave to chance. Poor risk management can lead to a damaged ecosystem, costly fines, employee dissatisfaction and a loss of consumer trust. But, a responsible approach backed by a smart software solution can lead to a successful project that minimizes harm and maximizes benefits.
