Analysis of environmental management systems: ISO 14001 and EMAS

Abstract

The article gives explanation about the voluntary environmental management systems and measures implemented in the European Union countries and the state of implementation in Lithuania. The article is written by using scientific literature, statistical analysis of the European Union. Environmental management system support business growth, improve the organization's image, which impacts relations with the various stakeholders, reduce the costs of raw material, energy and waste management, make better working conditions and may reduce the accidents. As high figures of the implementation of the ISO 14001 and EMAS Regulation in the European Union suggest they are popular. The ISO 14001 certificates have been granted over 72.312 thousand. The EMAS requirements are much higher, that’s why it is not as popular as the ISO 14001 standard (implemented in about 7 thousand organizations), although the latter ensures better protection of the natural resources. Most importantly, that the environmental management system can be presented as the trade mark of the environmentally friendly organization which gives a competitive advantage for them in the market.