An evaluation of current environmental management systems as indicators of environmental performance
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to evaluate current environmental management systems as indicators of the environmental performance of an organisation.
Design/methodology/approach
It considers, in particular, the development of current environmental management systems BS EN ISO 14001:1996 and the eco‐management and audit scheme (EMAS) 761/2001 EEC.
Findings
Currently, organisations implementing either BS EN ISO 14000:1996 or EMAS do not need to comment on overall environmental performance. Environmental management is viewed as the control of all human activities that have significant impact on the environment. Neither standard comments on the degree of control exercised, the approach taken, or the effectiveness of that control.
Originality/value
Environmental performance evaluation guidelines are appraised, and quality awards as a conceptual framework for classification of environmental performance are introduced.
Keywords
Citation
Rowland‐Jones, R., Pryde, M. and Cresser, M. (2005), "An evaluation of current environmental management systems as indicators of environmental performance", Management of Environmental Quality, Vol. 16 No. 3, pp. 211-219. https://doi.org/10.1108/14777830510591642
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2005, Emerald Group Publishing Limited