The Adoption of Environmental Management Systems Based on ISO 14001, EMAS, and Alternative Models for SMEs: A Qualitative Empirical Study

Alberto Díaz De Junguitu,Erlantz Allur

doi:10.3390/su11247015

Alberto Díaz De Junguitu, Erlantz Allur

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/su11247015

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Journal: Sustainability	Publication Date: Dec 9, 2019
Citations: 10	License type: CC BY 4.0

Affiliation: University of the Basque Country

Abstract

The adoption of environmental management systems (EMSs) based on standards such as ISO 14001 and EMAS (Eco-Management and Audit Scheme) has become very popular and the academic literature has studied the adoption of these standards extensively. However, the variety of ways in which EMSs are adopted and internalized has not been fully analyzed and the few studies that have analyzed this issue have focused on the analysis of the outcomes of just one of the main reference standards for EMSs, namely, ISO 14001. Considering this shortcoming in the literature, this work contributes to the empirical literature on the analysis of the adoption of standards for EMS by analyzing the case of the three main reference models used by organizations: ISO 14001, EMAS, and the alternative models for EMSs. The present work summarizes conclusions of interest for the different stakeholders involved in the adoption of EMSs. Implications for scholars and other stakeholders are discussed. It is recommended that further studies should focus on the analysis of the real effects of the adoption of the main standards for EMSs.

Highlights

In the last two decades, more and more companies have implemented environmental management systems (EMSs) in their organizations [1,2]
In all four cases the main positive result of implementing an EMS was the improvement in the environmental aspects of their routines, and this led them to reduce the use of some inputs, especially energy, and to better separation of waste, especially hazardous waste, which reduced its volume and the consequent cost of its management
The adoption by certified organizations of a really proactive environmental strategy would have a substantial impact on the outcomes of the EMS

Summary

Introduction

In the last two decades, more and more companies have implemented environmental management systems (EMSs) in their organizations [1,2]. Two reference models have been used worldwide in the adoption of EMSs: the ISO 14001 standard and the Eco-Management and Audit Scheme regulation (EMAS) The latter defines an EMS as the part of the overall management system that includes the organizational structure, planning activities, responsibilities, practices, procedures, processes, and resources for developing, implementing, achieving, reviewing, and maintaining environmental policy. From the practitioner’s point of view, Cascio et al [5] point out that the adoption of a systemic approach to the company’s treatment of the environment implies recognizing that the way in which an organization aims to protect its environment is as important as the organization’s goals For these authors, the way in which organizations attempt to comply with environmental requirements is the greatest determinant of their likelihood of success. Cascio et al [5] point out that this process must promote a culture of environmental consciousness in the organization and, hopefully, in the private lives of individuals, promoting a more enlightened, perceptive, and sensitive organizational culture [5]

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