Benefits of an EMS

If the two central aims of an EMS (ensure legislative compliance and improve environmental performance) are met, a number of benefits should accrue:

Legislative compliance will result in significantly lower current and future liabilities. This will mean less risk of prosecution, fines, clean up costs and bad publicity etc.
The timely identification of legislative requirements will mean that upgrade programmes to meet future requirements can be carried out in the most logical and cost effective manner - rather than being carried out in a last minute rush at the insistence of a regulatory authority. EMSs therefore promote proactive management which can result in marketing benefits.
Improved environmental performance will involve the minimisation of raw material consumption, utility usage and waste production - all of which will have a significant beneficial effect on the bottom line.
Better environmental management practices should also lead to a more pleasant working environment, with less dust, fumes and noise etc. This in turn should result in better productivity, the maintenance of quality and the reduction of nuisance creation for neighbouring residents.
A competitive edge should increasingly accrue to those with certified EMSs as these act as badges of achievement - in much the same way as quality systems are badges of quality achievement. Indeed, those seeking to supply organisations with an EMS will face increasing pressure to implement one of their own. Such pressures are already being felt by companies in the contract markets.
The presence of an EMS should lead to a greater degree of understanding from local regulators. The latter can see that your company takes the issue of environmental management seriously and invests time and effort in to related issues. A greater degree of co-operation and flexibility may therefore result.
One benefit of an EMS that is often forgotten is the fact that it will help to reduce your company's impact on the environment.