Organizational Needs
Before starting on the Plan-Do-Check-Act steps for implementing an EMS, the organizational and policy steps necessary to support the EMS implementation must be established. It is not only important that people at various levels of the organization support EMS implementation, but also understand what EMS is, why it is needed, how they can contribute, etc. The following steps are usually recommended for clarifying EMS and establishing organizational support:
- Identify the part of (or the whole) organization that could benefit from EMS. In some cases, only a part of an organization may be selected for EMS implementation to meet particular environmental needs.
- Analyze the needs and ensure that EMS is the right approach for the organization. EMS is particularly suited for dynamic organizations with activities involving people, processes, and materials on an ongoing basis.
- Define the scope of the EMS implementation for the organization. This will help to understand the system, define its boundaries, and address specific needs of the system.
- Meet with the top administrators of the organization, discuss EMS and its potential benefits for the organization, and obtain their support.
- Identify a champion (an administrator) at the higher levels of the organization who can support the effort and help secure the necessary resources.
- Hold a general forum with the help of the champion and explain EMS and its benefits to employees of the organization, and ask for their support.
- Form an initial planning team to analyze EMS needs of the organization more thoroughly and develop detailed plans.
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