An innovative use of Eco-management Scheme: some new applications

Eco-management scheme (EMAS), since its first application, has evolved over time. In its last review, it promotes the best environmental management practices through the development of sectoral reference documents that have to be taken into consideration by the “EMAS-registered organizations” in assessing their environmental performance. Many organizations and companies have a wide margin to improve their environmental performance. With the aim to improve their eco-efficiency and thus its reputation and the sustainability of their business, many companies want to lower their impact on the environment. To help organizations achieve this goal, the CCR identifies, evaluates and documents best environmental management practices (BEMPs) for the different sectors, in collaboration with stakeholders. The results of this work are some sectoral reference documents (SRD) on best practices in environmental management. This activity is part of the European Commission's work to implement the system of EU management and Audit Scheme (EMAS), a voluntary framework for enterprises and other organizations to evaluate, report and improve their environmental performance. In this context, the EU decided in 2009 to promote best environmental management practices through the development of sectoral reference documents.