InstituteEMS GoalsToxic Substance ControlEnvironmental Management SystemsEnvironmental Management SystemsEnvironmentalUSAEnglishAnalysisFocus AreaIn Depth (Level 3)
Environmental Management System (EMS) goals
['Environmental Management Systems']
- Every goal should have a timeline, be specific, and be measurable.
An important part of an Environmental Management System (EMS) is to set goals and create an action plan that will allow your business to achieve ongoing improvement in environmental performance. Every goal should have a timeline, be specific, and be measurable to drive change and track achievements, improvements, and reductions.
The following are tips related to developing goals:
- Ensure that the goals are realistic and fit the organization’s mission and the overall business strategy of the company.
- Decide how to measure performance and identify how each goal relates to the company’s environmental policy. Note that the company needs baseline data (which may need to be developed) to compare progress.
- Set an action plan for achieving these goals.
- Communicate to the EMS team the reasons for picking each goal.
- Measure and monitor progress toward goals regularly.
This is an example of environmental performance goals:
| Goal | Related environmental aspect | Performance indicator |
| Reduce plastic waste by 40 percent over the first 3 years of EMS | Solid waste | Per 500 units manufactured |
| Reduce energy use by 15 percent in the first 5 years of EMS | Energy use | Kilowatts per 500 units manufactured |
| Reduce water use by 8 percent over the first two years of EMS | Water use | Gallons of water per 500 units manufactured |