An Environmental Management System (EMS) is a structured process through which an organisation can manage its environmental performance.

ISO14001 is the internationally recognised standard for EMS and is fast becoming an essential requirement when tendering for contracts.

Groundwork offers a comprehensive service to any organisation that is implementing an EMS.

All of our services are tailored directly to the needs of your organisational culture to ensure the EMS is relevant and sustainable.

Full EMS Implementation to ISO14001

Our experienced consultants will work with you to design and implement an EMS system from scratch.

This approach works best when there is clear management commitment and staffing resources to embed the EMS within the organisation.

Our approach is to provide structure, help and advice resulting in an EMS that not only gains certification, but results in long term improvements to environmental performance.

 

EMS Implementation following BS8555 "Acorn Methodology"

BS8555 offers organisations an opportunity develop and accredit their EMS in Phases.  Groundwork is registered with IEMA to deliver the Acorn Scheme.

Our consultants will work with you to develop and implement your EMS in phases.  This approach allows you to gain accreditation as the various phases are implemented.  This can be particularly useful when under supply chain pressure to demonstrate environmental performance in a timeframe that is unrealistic for full ISO14001 accreditation.

The phased approach also allows you to progress your EMS at a pace that suits you.

 

On-going EMS Support

Our consultants are able to come in and provide support at any stage of your EMS implementation.  Many of our customers come to us following an inspection that hasn't gone to plan or following a turnover in staff.

Our experience means we'll quickly be able to get up to speed with your system and work out what needs to be done to get you back on track.

Typical requests include -

Baseline Environmental Review

An Environmental Business Consultant will conduct a thorough review of your organisation's environmental performance to identify strengths and weaknesses.  This will provide you with an overview of potential benefits of developing an environmental programme.  This is very useful when looking to gain top management support.

Gap Analysis

We'll look at your existing system and evaluate it against the relevant standard.  This will identify what needs to be done to gain or re-gain certification.  We'll also prioritise actions to avoid major non-conformances.

Pre-Certification Audit

No matter how prepared you think you are for the big day, an auditor will almost always find something you've missed.  Our pre-certification audit will identify any major issues in advance giving you time to deal with them.  We are on first name terms with many auditors and know many of their pet hates and likes!

Staff Awareness Training

Staff awareness of the EMS and knowledge of their responsibilities is an essential component of any EMS.  We can help you to put together and deliver internal training to make sure you are compliant with the standard and embed the EMS.

Environmental Legislation Services

We have the expertise to develop and maintain your legal register.  Our approach is regarded as best practice by EMS auditors.

EMS Training

For any organisation looking to implement or improve their EMS we recommend our IEMA approved training courses.

 

To discuss your EMS needs please contact us