2- Review of Literature

2- Review of Literature

2.1 Introduction

This chapter comprises of detailed literature review of environmental management system. It covers review of background of EMS, development of EMS, elements of EMS, its implementation, EMS and its role as a tool for cleaner production & sustainable development. This chapter covers the review of constraints in implementation of EMS in manufacturing industry as well, with having a look on incentives and benefits.

 2.2 Background

Over past few decades, with the increase in production demand and consumption need, industries have adopted the theme of mass production regardless taking into account the aspects of environmental degradation. In past, industrial accidents like, Bhopal disaster in India in 1984(Adams 1990) and other similar incidents before or later on, opened a new way regarding environmental consciousness. 

This figure 2.2.1 represents the environmental pressure group that urged the companies to adopt EMS. Modern technology, customer environmental awareness, government restrictions and similar aspects as labelled are considered the drivers for change.

 This awareness about sustainable development and green future, stressed the international business community to formulate international environmental standards and policies for an effective green business and sustainable development. The adoption and maintenance of EMS was the main element on business agenda (James: 1999) for improving environmental performance to reduce the environmental impact through sustainable improvements and development (Sebhatu and Enquist: 2007).

 Furthermore, on the eve of United Nations Conference on Environment and development (UNCED) in 1992, Business council for sustainable development (BCSD) concluded that the international business community need to develop environmental management standards. In 1993, new technical committee ISO /TC207 ‘Environmental Management’ started work to develop environmental standards with the assistance of other relevant authorities. In 1996, two standards (ISO 14001 and 14004) under the supervision of sub committees, SC1 and SC2 published officially (Sheldon 1997 p.19).

  Almost all environmental experts define environmental management system (EMS) in same context with little variation in wording and position of these wordings. Christie et,al (1995: iX), states that “environmental management systems are set of techniques and disciplines that facilitate movement by firms towards cleaner production”.

Moreover, Sheldon (2006) and other environmental experts describes EMS as a formal approach to improve the environmental performance.

 In addition, talking about socio-ecological aspect of the sustainability, (Sutton P. ed. 1997 in Sheldon p.212, 1997) ‘The Sustainable Development has been described as “development that brings about ecological, social, and economic sustainability while contributing to the achievement of society’s other goals”.

 An over view of EMS has been labelled as under

 Table 2.2.1.: ISO 14000 series overview

Standard Number	Title	Relevance
ISO 14001	EMS: Requirement for use with guidance	Requirements are expressed in Clause 4. Useful additional guidance in annexes which are advisory only
ISO 14004	EMS: General guidance on systems, principles and supporting techniques	Useful background information on the approach to EMS installation
ISO 14015	Environmental assessment of sites and organizations(EASO)	Guidance useful for self-assessment of pre-acquisition audit
ISO 14020-14025	Environment labels and Declarations	Not directly relevant to EMS Implementation. Useful only to those interested in taking part in an eco-labelling scheme
ISO 14031	Environmental performance, evaluation- Guidance for environmental management	Very useful in establishing measurements for objectives and targets and environmental performance indicators as part of an EMS, or as a precursor to the installation of an EMS
ISO 14040-14048	Life Cycle Assessment	Could be useful in getting to grips with LSA as part of your IER
ISO 1405	Environmental Management Vocabulary	Advisory, but very useful to ensure that everyone is using a common terminology. Especially useful to those managing multisite operations
ISO 14063	Environmental Communications	Guidance on the full range of environmental aspects of both internal and external communication.

Source: Adopted from Sheldon & Yoxon (1999) p. 218

Fortunski B. (2008) argues that awareness about increased environmental issues provided an opportunity for sustainable development. In addition to that, McCloskey et al (1994) point that ‘interest in environmental issues from both parties, suppliers and consumers (Ponsinska et al 2003) have become the main focus of the environmental experts. Growing awareness with other external elements of pressure like market demand and customer requirements urged companies to think seriously regarding adoption (Sasseville et al: 1997) and implementation of EMS. If a company do not bother to adopt market driven initiative, might be deprive from tangible benefits and may see organization at a competitive disadvantage. Other stakeholders like unions, customers, suppliers, banks, community, neighbours have their own rights and power and have great influence to get the industrial sector to perform according to their expectations (Wolf J, In Hillary ed., 1997) and it shows the practical demonstration of environmental responsibility.

Social awareness about environment has made the customers sensitive towards sustainable action in routine life (Marcus et al 1997) and for return of organization services; implementation of sound environmental management system has become mandatory. As a result of that in 1991, the Strategic Advisory Group on Environment (SAGE) proposed suggestion and recommendations based on their analysis for further formulation and implementation of environmental management system.

Furthermore, Nee & Wahid (2010) states that “ISO 14001 refers to an organization’s management system ( i-e set of interrelated elements used to establish policy and objectives and to achieve those objectives which encompassed organizational structure planning activities, responsibilities, practices , procedures, processes and resources) used to develop and implement its environmental policy and manage its environmental aspects”( MS ISO 14001:2004 p.2).

   The sustainable development is considered the main theme involved in development and formulation of environmental management systems. In 1994, summit held in America (Miami) acknowledged that “sound environmental management is an essential element of sustainable development.” and the participants promised for sustainable development (Marcus et.al 1997 p.189).

Generally, it is believed that EMS is there to ensure the improvement of environmental performance through audits but in developing countries the perception was pessimistic.EMS was considered as a trade barrier which can’t be met, imposed on the name of harmonization (Wolfe In Hillary Ed.: 1997). The role of EMS system as a driving force for sustainable development has been discussed in detailed in next section.