An Environmental Management System (EMS) is a framework that helps an organization achieve its environmental goals through consistent review, evaluation, and improvement of its environmental performance.

The assumption is that this consistent review and evaluation will identify opportunities for improving and implementing the environmental performance of the organization. The EMS itself does not dictate a level of environmental performance that must be achieved; each organization's EMS is tailored to its own individual objectives and targets.

Potential benefits. Running an effective EMS will help you with: improving resource efficiency and reducing unnecessary expenditure - you will have policies and procedures in place that help you manage waste and resources more effectively. This can reduce your associated raw material and operating costs.