About P2 and EMS
Many of the economic and environmental benefits from implementing an EMS
are derived from the proactive approach of pollution prevention. Pollution prevention (i.e. toxics use reduction or source reduction)
strategies help reduce or eliminate environmental concerns at the source,
resulting in less waste, more efficient use of inputs, reduced risk and
liability that may be reflected in lower insurance premiums and avoided
contingency expenses, and many other environmental, health, safety, and
financial benefits. It also enhances the
organization’s public image internationally and locally, leads to the reduction
of a company’s bottom line, eliminates trade barriers, and creates a greater
awareness of the environmental performance within the organization across all
departments, which can help improve overall management planning and promote
cooperation.
Organizations that plan and
report under the Massachusetts Toxics Use Reduction Act (TURA) have practiced
many of the elements of an EMS through the TURA Planning
process. Companies that have management
systems in place as part of the ISO 9001 quality standards have also have some
components of an EMS.
EMS offers the opportunity for these facilities
to integrate their chemical and product quality management and planning
efforts, so that the focus is not just on hazardous chemicals or waste, but on
the prudent use of all materials and resources by the organization.
This page updated Wednesday July 21 2004
