The environmental management system EMAS (Eco Management and Audit Scheme) is a voluntary and holistic environmental management system that was introduced in the European Union (EU) and in which around 1,200 German companies participate. EMAS was created to help organizations improve their environmental performance, reduce their environmental impact and provide transparent information about their environmental performance. It is based on ISO 14001, the international standard for environmental management systems, but goes beyond this and also appeals to the overall social responsibility of organizations and companies.
EMAS & ISO 50001 - Differences
The international standard ISO 50001 on the other hand, focuses specifically on energy management. It sets out requirements for an effective energy management system that helps companies and organizations to improve their energy efficiency and reduce energy consumption. Another important difference between EMAS and ISO 50001 is that EMAS requires the creation of a public environmental statement is required. This environmental statement contains information on various environmental aspects such as CO₂ emissions, energy and resource consumption or the company's disposal and waste avoidance strategy and is reviewed by certified environmental auditors. ISO 50001 does not require a public declaration, but focuses on the internal improvement of energy management. In addition, EMAS aims to actively involve employees and to promote even more intensive CSR and ESG-ideas.
EMAS & ISO 50001 - similarities
Companies that have introduced the EMAS environmental management system or the ISO 50001 standard can easily apply for tax relief under the Energy Financing Act, the EnSimiMav, the EU ETS electricity price compensation funding guidelines, the Carbon Leakage Regulation and the Electricity and Energy Tax Acts. Due to the respective certifications and verification obligations resulting from both systems, these are usually also granted by the legislator and the documentation obligations are eliminated Energy audits in accordance with DIN EN 16247. This means that the Tax and duty burden reduced and additionally through the environmental and efficiency measures introduced the Total costs reduced. Both systems are therefore legally compliantThey enhance the company's image and convey a credible commitment to customers, stakeholders and suppliers. Both are tools for sustainable corporate management, increase sales opportunities and are seen as the first step towards climate neutrality for companies.
How does the EMAS environmental management system work?
The introduction of EMAS is independent of the size of the company and the implementation methods are developed individually - in contrast to ISO 50001. In cooperation with an EMAS environmental verifier, planning begins with the company's environmental officer or EMAS team to develop a mission statement and an environmental program for the company. This is followed by the prioritization, implementation and monitoring of the measures before the official environmental statement is drawn up through internal and external auditing. EMAS provides support in all phases and allows around one year for the entire process before an organization can be entered in the official EMAS register.