Environmental Management Systems

Scope
In many areas, regulatory regimes have been supplemented by voluntary initiatives and codes to improve the industry practices that need to be regulated. This has led to a growing interest in Environmental Management Systems (EMS). EMS provides a framework for systematic and company wide implementation and awareness of environmental policies. EMS also contributes to the communication through environmental reporting and performance indicators. The ISO 14001 standard has now been introduced in many areas. The status of this introduction will be presented and discussed in addition to the status of other standards, positive experiences with EMS and opportunities for improvement.

Topics for Discussions

· Are there suitable guidelines available for EMS development in offshore oil and gas industry; can the joint OGP/UNEP review from 1994 still serve as a reference document in this respect? Is there a need for an update? How can generic systems (ISO, EMAS, etc.) be applied in this sector or do we need separate application guidelines (ISO 14001) for oil and gas?

· How can it be ensured that the general business management system of the company includes a fully endorsed EMS (or integrated HSE-management system)? How can it be ensured that subcontractors and suppliers are compliant in EMS practices and implications. Is an EMS also practicable for small companies?

· How can it be guaranteed and demonstrated that EMS is part of the companies management system and operation procedures, and that it is working?

. How can verification and certification be organised with a reference to continuous improvement? How to establish the appropriate "level of ambition" of an EMS in relation to compliance and the role of stakeholders in this process?

Power Point presentation of Leo Henriquez,
Dutch State Supervision of mines

Results from the Workshop on Environmental Management Systems

· Industry should, for similar environmental conditions, attempt to achieve the same level of environmental performance through their EMS in both developed and developing countries.
· Industry should consider and strive to include environmental and cultural costs when applying their EMS.
· Industry and governments should work towards enabling local stakeholders to play the active role stated in Environmental Management Systems.
· Governments should cooperate to share knowledge and build capacity in order to foster and promote more companies to adopt or better their use of Environmental Management Systems.
· Regional inter-governmental organisations should be encouraged to exchange experience and be encouraged to cooperate with industry and other stakeholders in the development of goal setting stratgies for regional targets. · Industry should strive to integrate Health, Safety and Environmental Systems into one Management System.