GENERAL SECTION

Environmental Management Systems

INTRODUCTION
During the last decade, much discussion has occurred about Quality, Quality Management Systems and the International Standard on Quality (ISO 9000). We see many companies proudly advertising that they have been “QS 9001 Certified.” These companies are to be commended for their effort to attain certification. Recently the effort has expanded to environmental management systems.

BACKGROUND
Presently, there is an international effort to implement international standards for environmental management systems
(ISO 14000); soon there will be a similar effort in health and safety. General Motors, Ford and Toyota now require their suppliers to achieve ISO 14001 certification. Ford requires that ISO 14001 Certification be completed by December 31, 2001; General Motors requires ISO 14001 Certification by December 2002; and Toyota requires ISO 14001 Certification by December 31, 2003. If you, in any way, supply any of the automakers, either as a primary supplier or otherwise, and so on down the supply chain, you will be required to become ISO 14001 Certified. The “acid test” is that if you are either currently or in the process of becoming QS9001 certified, you will likely be required to become ISO 14001 certified at some time in the near future.

WHAT IS AN EMS?
ISO 14000 is an Environmental Management System (EMS). An EMS is a characteristic of the management structure of a business that focuses on the immediate and long-term impact of its products and operations as they affect the environment. The EMS provides organized methods to address environmental-related issues with efficiency and consistency. Management through the EMS provides for the allocation of resources, assignment of responsibilities and ongoing evaluation of internal practices, procedures and processes.

An EMS is crucial for a business to have the ability to anticipate growing environmental performance expectations, to assist in ongoing compliance with regulatory requirements, and to develop viable business plans.

WHY NOW?
The auto industry timetable for EMS implementation is 2001 through 2003. By waiting until then, you lose control of your EMS. By initiating your EMS now, you gain the following advantages:

• You control the process, not your customer;
  
• You control your costs, not someone else, by your ability to manage the timeline;
  
• You are identified by your customers and competitors as a leader in the field;
  
• If an EMS is in place or can be verified that it is being developed, the regulatory agencies may consider it as a mitigating factor and could reduce any penalties for issues of noncompliance;
  
• If an EMS is in place, the Federal Sentencing Guidelines allows the Justice Department to consider the EMS in assessing and reducing any criminal penalties; and
• An effective EMS will reduce operating costs through waste minimization and pollution prevention.

SUMMARY
Many businesses are starting to implement EMS’ for their operations. The Payne Firm can assist you in determining your needs, requirements and develop an EMS, whether it is for ISO 14001 or a modified EMS specifically for you. For more information, please contact Tony Domanico, Adam Edrington or Emily Covert at (513) 489-2255 or by e-mail at aid@paynefirm.com, ace@paynefirm.com or eac@paynefirm.com.