Is the Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS) Regulation an effective strategic marketing tool for implementing industrial organisations?

Abstract

This article focuses upon one recent innovation in European environmental policy, law and management, and in doing so presents the findings of a recent survey of UK Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS) Regulation registered organizations. These organizations include leading innovators in European environmental policies and programmes such as Ciba Clayton, Volvo, ICI, Rank Xerox, DuPont and Vauxhall. This article examines the reasons why these organizations have participated in the EMAS Regulation and the ‘issues’ encountered during the implementation process. The article reveals that many benefits can arise for participating companies but not before they overcome many implementation barriers. That said, one very important conclusion arising from the article is that the EMAS Regulation can act as an effective strategic marketing tool for companies attempting to raise their organizations' environmental performance standards and in demonstrating this to important organizational stakeholders. Finally, this article concludes by outlining a series of important recommendations, which the British Government may wish to consider in the effective promotion of the EMAS Regulation. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.