Environmental Management Systems - Development, implementation and benefits for the Australian sugar industry

Environmental Management Systems (EMS) demonstrate to regulatory authorities, the market place, local community and employees a company's commitment to the policies governing environmental management, resource use and sustainable development. Benefits of implementation of such proactive environmental management include enhanced public standing of the company, demonstrated reduction in operating costs, reduced environmental risk, improved communication and reduced legal liabilities along with a sense of "environmental awareness" and ownership by employees. In view of current and future environmental legislative requirements, the integration of a management system focussing on environmental risk can enhance a company's strategic position in the domestic and international market place. Certification of an EMS may be achieved via the British Standard (BS 7750) or in the future via the interim ISO 14000 series, which has been adopted as the Australian standard. This paper outlines the benefits of having an operational EMS in place, and the procedures required for development and implementation of EMSs in Australian sugar industry facilities.