EMAS (the English acronym for Eco-Management and Audit Scheme, Community Eco-Management and Audit Scheme) is the EU voluntary instrument which acknowledges organisations that improve their environmental performance on a continuous basis. The scheme has been available for participation by companies since 1995 and was originally restricted to companies in industrial sectors. Since 2001 EMAS has been open to all economic sectors including public and private services. 

In 2009 the EMAS Regulation was revised and modified for the second time. It was published on 22 December 2009 and entered into force on 11 January 2010.

As in the ISO 14001, processes based on continuous improvements are an essential requirement of the EMAS management systems with regard to environment. The process of continuous improvement is a well known concept in quality management.

More than 4,100 registered organisations are legally compliant, run an environmental management system and report on their environmental performance through the publication of an independently verified environmental statement. They are recognised by the EMAS logo, which guarantees the reliability of the information provided. Certified organisations include industrial companies, small and medium enterprises, services, third sector organisations, administrations and international organisations (including the European Commission and the European Parliament themselves.

Requirements 

There are some requirements which must be fulfilled by organizations for the registration of EMAS.

1. The organization must have a Policy related to the Environment
2. There must be on site review of the Policy
3. There must be clear objectives of the organization regarding Environment, on the basis of Policy and Review discuss above
4. Audit of the matter related to the Environment
5. A clear statement by the organization regarding the Environment

Documents