Environmental Management System Research Articles

Assessing external exposome by implementing an Environmental Data Management System using Open Data

Due to the increasing importance of exposome in environmental epidemiology, feasibility and usefulness of an Environmental Data Management System (EDMS) using Open Data was evaluated. The EDMS includes data from 10 European cities (Celje (Slovenia), Łódź (Poland), Manchester (UK), Palermo (Italy), Paris (France), Porto (Portugal), Regensburg (Germany), Reus (Spain), Rijeka (Croatia), Thessaloniki (Greece)) about external non-specific and specific exposome factors at the city or country level (2017–2020). Findings showed that the highest values of life expectancy were in Reus females (86 years) and Palermo males (81 years). UK had the highest obesity rate (28%), Croatia the highest prescribed drug consumption (62%), Greece and Portugal the highest smoking rates (37%, 42%) and daily alcohol consumption (21%), respectively. The most polluted cities were Thessaloniki for PM10 (38 µg/m3), Łódź for PM2.5 (25 µg/m3), Porto for NO2 (62 µg/m3) and Rijeka for O3 (92 µg/m3). Thessaloniki had the highest grey space (98%) and Łódź the highest cumulative amount of pollen (39,041 p/m3). The highest daily noise levels ≥ 55 dB was in Reus (81% to traffic) and Regensburg (21% to railway). In drinking water, arsenic had the highest value in Thessaloniki (6.4 µg/L), boron in Celje (24 mg/L) and lead in Paris (46.7 µg/L). Portugal and Greece showed the highest pesticide residues in food (7%). In conclusion, utilizing open-access databases enables the translation of research findings into actionable strategies for public health interventions.

Qualitative Study of Stakeholder Influence on Environmental Practices: Evidence from the Malaysian Aviation Industry

In this study, we seek to explore the influence of stakeholders on environmental management practices in Malaysia's aviation industry. The data from this study was derived from interviewing 25 respondents in nine organisations within the aviation sector and was analysed using thematic analysis. We show that internal and external stakeholders significantly influence changes towards better environmental management practices. While internal stakeholders have contributed to better environmental management practices by changing their day-to-day practices within their functional role in the organisation, the external stakeholders have been the key actors that have significantly pushed the organisation to implement a proper environmental management system (EMS), particularly the role played by the regulatory authorities in ensuring compliance with environmental standards. We also highlight that the tension between economic and ecological elements may limit the extent of environmental practices carried out by the aviation sector; nonetheless, continuous engagement and pressure from the community and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) may push the aviation sector to revisit their commitment to environmental practices beyond compliance activities to ecological standards.

Challenges for the steel industry in terms of environmental control in the production of pig iron in the state of Minas Gerais - Brazil

This text highlights the importance of implementing an Environmental Management System (EMS) in the steel industry sector focused on pig iron production in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The text refers to the general scenario of pig iron production in Minas Gerais, addresses the main environmental impacts observed in the area of influence of the enterprises and the legislation directed at the sector. It discusses the behavior of the steel industry in the face of the need for environmental management plans and programs, and points out the possible competitive advantages of industrial companies that meet acceptable environmental and production control standards.

Evaluation of the relationship between the establishment of the safety, health and environment management system on the performance of employees of the coking complex and refineries - Iranian Zarand Steel Company

Introduction: The present research was conducted with the aim of investigating the relationship between the establishment of safety, health and environment management system on the performance of coking complex employees and refineries of Iranian Zarand Steel Company. Therefore, at first, the dimensions and issues of establishing the safety, health and environment management system and the performance of employees were identified, and then the relationships between the identified variables were presented. Materials and Methods: Two standard questionnaires were used to collect data related to the measurement of research variables, which in total include 2 structures, 3 dimensions, and 20 questions. The content validity method was used to check the validity of the questionnaire. Cronbach's alpha coefficient was calculated as 0.863, which indicated the reliability of the questionnaire. The statistical population of this research includes the employees and experts of Iranian Zarand Steel Company. After ensuring the validity and reliability of the designed scales based on the calculations, the questionnaires were distributed to a sample of 260 people. To check the demographic data, descriptive statistics, K-S test to determine the normality of the data using SPSS24 software, to determine the construct validity using the confirmatory factor analysis test and for the relationships between the variables using the structural equation model using statistical software 3 SMART-PLS was performed. Results: The establishment of the safety, health and environment management system on the performance of employees with a factor load of 0.623 and the T-statistic of the test 9.803, as well as the safety, health and environment management system on the dimensions of employee performance, including increasing knowledge and quality of work, a better relationship with Colleagues, improvement of individual characteristics, development of skills and better supervision, improvement of creativity and improvement of customer orientation of Zarand Iranian Steel Company with factor loading of 0.555, 0.664, 0.430, 0.436, 0.424 and 0.461 respectively and the T-statistics of the test have a significant relationship of 8.086, 12.337, 5.069, 5.792, 5.055 and 6.629. Conclusion: The findings show that the establishment of the HSE management system has a significant effect on the performance of employees and its dimensions, including the quality of occupational health and safety rules, practical compliance with the law, management and cooperation, workplace processes, the use of personal protective equipment and empowering the behavior of managers and employees.

Can a relational cross-scalar approach to management improve environmental disaster responses? A case study of an unprecedented flood in New South Wales, Australia

ABSTRACT Human societies face planetary crises of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution. Conventional command-and-control approaches to manage these existential challenges have failed due to limited comprehension of relationships in social-ecological systems. To address this problem, we study the complex case of the disaster response to unprecedented floods in the Northern Rivers Region, New South Wales, Australia, in 2022. We apply a novel relational-systems model that identifies management structures, processes, functions and contents interacting at and across scales. The model helps identify the root causes in the inadequate disaster response that ensued in the Northern Rivers Region flooding. The root causes are a lack of systems-thinking competence, poor collaborative capacity, vulnerabilities in environmental management and deficient governance systems. The relational complexity concepts of self-organisation and socio-cultural organisation may further help explain variation in response to disasters in different socio-ecological contexts. Such understanding can inform individual and collective environmental action.

Institutional pressure and low carbon innovation policy: the role of EMS, environmental interpretations and governance heterogeneity

As the global community deals with the urgent need for sustainable development, the formulation and implementation of effective low carbon innovation policies have emerged as a critical challenge. However, the extant literature is unclear in examining low carbon innovation policy. Underpinned by institutional theory, the current study addresses the role of institutional pressure in the development of low carbon innovation policies. Additionally, the study examines the role of environmental management systems as a mediation and environmental interpretations and governance heterogeneity as moderators. Methodologically, the data were collected from the manufacturing sector of Pakistan. The findings suggest that institutional pressure greatly influences low carbon innovation policies. Furthermore, the findings from environmental management systems strongly suggest that they significantly encourage institutional pressure on low carbon innovation. Additionally, the roles of environmental interpretations and governance heterogeneity have a significant effect on the relationship. We use a non-profitability sampling technique. In October 2023, a total of 432 questionnaires were disseminated to manufacturing firms, yielding 299 valid responses for Time-1 and Time-2, respectively.

Green Intellectual Capital: A Multidimensional Approach to Sustainable Performance Waste Recycling Management in Algeria

This research investigated the relationship between the green intellectual capital (GIC) and the sustainable performance in Algeria’s waste recycling management sector. Acknowledging the importance of Global Information Communication (GIC) in achieving organizational success, this research investigates how it is utilized and its effects. Using structural equation modeling (SEM) with the PLS-V3 software, the study examines information gathered from 400 entrepreneurs who oversee waste recycling businesses in Algeria. The study focused on three primary components of GIC: green relational capital, green structural capital, and green human capital. The hypotheses were formulated to assess the influence of each component on sustainable performance. The results supported all four proposed hypotheses, showing a positive link between the Green Intellectual Capital (GIC) and the sustainable performance. Specifically, the combined effects of relational, structural, and human capital enhanced sustainability outcomes. The research showed the significance of the waste recycling industry implementing strategies that make the most of Green Intangible Capital (GIC) elements. This includes connecting with stakeholders who prioritize environmental preservation, sharing knowledge, and working together. Green structural capital refers to the systems and processes that support eco-friendly practices, like environmental management systems and sustainable supply chain management. Green human capital focuses on employees' skills and knowledge in sustainability, highlighting the importance of training and opportunities for professional development. This study adds value to existing knowledge by clarifying how GIC plays a role in fostering a future. It offers insights for waste recycling firms, policymakers, and other interested parties in Algeria and beyond. By emphasising the significance of GIC in achieving performance, this research provides practical implications for crafting strategies and policies that leverage green intellectual assets for economic and environmental advantages. The study underscored organisations’ need to invest in nurturing their GIC to promote sustainable business practices and attain enduring success.

The role of legislation in activating environmental management systems to protect workers in the cement industry from environmental damage

The role of legislation in activating environmental management systems to protect workers in the cement industry from environmental damage

Use of a multidimensional comparative analysis to evaluate a synthetic indicator measuring environmental management in rural areas in Poland

The main objective of this study has been to measure and evaluate changes in the values of metrics applied to environmental management systems implemented in rural areas in the years 2010 and 2022. The study included three provinces in Poland representing different socio-economic development classes. Two strategic research groups were distinguished within the provinces: rural municipalities and rural areas in urban-rural municipalities. With the Perkal method, a synthetic indicator was constructed to measure environmental performance in rural areas. The Pearson correlation coefficient was applied, leading to the results which substantiated the conclusion that the highest improvement of the environmental management indicator value was achieved in the province at the highest socio-economic development level, even though the sub-indicators did not improve between 2010 and 2022 in all the analysed groups. The management of the environment is a task mostly delegated to local governments. Proposing an environmental monitoring method can support making decisions at the level of local governments as regards directions in the management of the environment in a given area because the synthetic indicator created in this study comprises only these elements that can be moulded by actions undertaken by local governments.

Assessment of Environmental Management Performance in Wineries: A Survey-Based Analysis to Create Key Performance Indicators

This study assesses the adoption and operational effectiveness of Environmental Management Systems (EMSs) in Italian wineries, focusing on ISO 14001:2015. It evaluates commitment, planning, communication strategies, emergency preparedness, and employee training practices. Using a comprehensive survey-based methodology, the research elucidates the dynamics of EMS implementation across various scales of winery operations. The research reveals a strong commitment among wineries to environmental objectives such as waste reduction and efficient electricity and water use. However, significant deficiencies were identified in EMS policy implementation, emergency preparedness, and the uptake of ISO 14001:2015 certification, with larger wineries showing more robust engagement in environmental training than smaller ones. The study incorporates five key performance indicators (KPIs) and a predictive model using logistic regression and Random Forest to analyze the likelihood of ISO 14001 certification based on the analyzed variables. The model highlights established processes, environmental policies, and frequent reviews as significant predictors of certification. These findings contribute original value by identifying critical leverage points and barriers affecting EMS effectiveness within the wine sector. The research uncovers nuanced interactions between the scale of operations and management engagement influencing EMSs’ success. It proposes novel, survey-based KPIs essential for assessing EMS performance in wineries, demonstrating their practical utility in pinpointing areas for improvement. The research limitations include potential biases from varying participation rates among surveyed wineries, affecting extrapolation to the broader Italian wine industry. Despite these limitations, the study provides substantive practical implications, suggesting that wineries can enhance both environmental sustainability and a competitive edge by addressing gaps in EMS implementation.

WASTE MANAGEMENT IN THE CONCEPT OF GREEN RECONSTRUCTION OF ECONOMY

The article defined the concept of waste management in the environmental management system. The research analysed the problems of waste management in the environmental management system from point of view by a number of domestic and foreign scientists. As a result, authors outlined the basic components of waste management: strategic planning, prevention of environmental pollution, conservation of resources, minimization of the amount and toxicity of waste generation, choosing the best prevention option, assessment of effects and consequences, decision-making. The research described the system of green reconstruction of economy and formed the basic principles of the green post-war reconstruction that would provide sustainable economic development. The article outlined the concept of post-war green reconstruction which should focus on such areas as: sustainable construction and resource saving; implementation of renewable energy sources; sustainable development of infrastructure; implementation of a waste management system, minimization of residues. The authors grounded five main stages of waste management process under post-war reconstruction of Ukraine: prevention of waste generation, preparation for reuse, processing, other uses, disposal. Sustainable waste management solutions are essential to maintain environmental harmony but, also, they are linked with cost, public response, political constraints, and social norms. Consumers' environmental awareness influence the demand for goods and services and thus reduce the amount of waste. Research argued that local communities should developed own waste prevention strategies and attract environmentally conscious businesses to their territory. State policy should focus consumers for preferring products in packaging/container that is suitable for recycling or reuse (glass), paper bags, eco-bags, used appliances.

Green Human Resource Management: Practices, Benefits, and Constraints—Evidence from the Portuguese Context

In recent decades, the issue of environmental sustainability has become increasingly important worldwide and there is growing pressure from stakeholders for companies to transform themselves in order to mitigate their environmental impacts. Green Human Resource Management (GHRM) plays an important role in promoting a corporate culture of environmental responsibility, ensuring the effectiveness of companies’ environmental strategy through its direct role with employees. In response to the lack of studies on GHRM and its implementation in the Portuguese business context, this study aims to map the GHRM practices implemented by companies operating in Portugal and to identify the perceived benefits, constraints, and challenges in implementing these practices. A total of 15 semi-structured interviews with human resource managers and environment-related management professionals of companies selected from an Environmental Management Systems—ISO 14001 database were conducted. The results show that organizations in Portugal implement environmental practices that fall within the scope of GHRM. The practices identified also range across transversal categories such as digital, mobility, products and waste management, infrastructure, performance, production, and corporate events. However, a holistic approach is needed and GHRM should be built under a multidimensional and well-planned system. This study argues that perceived benefits are constrained by the specific characteristics of the Portuguese business context which results in obstacles for the implementation and success of GHRM practices. The implications of the results for the organizations are discussed and suggestions are put forward.

Monitoring and management of green information in water ecological environment based on sensors and big data

With the continuous development of industrial production, the pollution of water resources is becoming more and more serious, and the damage to aquatic organisms is also increasing. Therefore, strengthening water environment monitoring has become a key measure to prevent and solve this problem. Aiming at the limitation of traditional water environment monitoring methods, a water ecological environment monitoring scheme is proposed. This study uses advanced sensor technology, including water quality sensor, water level sensor, weather sensor, etc., to monitor the indicators of water in real time. Through data acquisition and storage technology, the data obtained by the sensor is integrated and analyzed. At the same time, big data analysis method is used to predict and simulate the change trend of water ecological environment. This scheme designs and develops a sensor network monitoring system, which can collect water temperature data in real time at the monitoring point, transmit the sampled information to the aggregation node through the sensor network, and finally transmit to the information intelligent monitoring equipment through GPRS, so as to realize timely display and early warning. At the same time, combined with the water quality monitoring instrument, it can realize the remote query and processing of monitoring data. The experimental results show that the water ecological environment monitoring and management system based on sensor and big data technology can efficiently and accurately monitor the indicators of water. Through the comprehensive monitoring of the water ecological environment, abnormal situations can be found in time, and corresponding measures can be taken to protect and repair. The results of big data analysis provided by the system can provide scientific basis and guidance for decision makers.

Gap Analysis of the Environmental Management System Performance of PT. XXX to ISO 14001:2015 Standard

PT. XXX is one of the oil and gas exploration companies in Indonesia operating in the Rokan Block of the Duri Steam Flood (DSF) Operation Area. To maintain the level of petroleum production in operation, PT. XXX DSF Operating Area adds oil and gas wells, improves, and improves operation reliability through upgrading several existing facilities; seen from the environmental setting at the current operational location, DSF's operational area activity plan has an impact on environmental components. To mitigate it, PT. XXX has developed an Environmental Management System (EMS) DSF Operating Area according to the international standard ISO 14001:2015. This quantitative descriptive research aims to determine the gap in QMS performance implemented by companies with ISO 14001: 2015 standards using seven clauses: Self-Assessment Checklist Internal Audit ISO 14001: 2015 GEMI 2015. To find out the Company's SML gap score with ISO 14001: 2015 standard is determined by the Gap Analysis method. The gap results from the 7 (seven) clauses analysed to show the readiness score of SML PT. XXX DSF operational to implement ISO 14001:2015 Standard is 98.83% refers to range gap analysis if the score range of 75% - 100% indicates PT. XXX DSF Operations is ready to complement EMS ISO 14001:2015 and carry out certification. The gap score between the Company's Environmental Management System (EMS) that is being implemented and the ISO 14001:2015 standard is 1.17%. The gap in clauses that have not met the requirements of SML ISO 14001: 2015 is Clause Support, which scores 95% and Clause Performance Evaluation, which scores 96%.

Gestão e reconhecimento institucional na Reserva da Biosfera de Tehuacán-Cuicatlán

This research aims to describe the institutional recognition of the rational use of common resources in a Mexican reserve from a management and implementation perspective. After its declaration as a reserve, new environmental management systems were established, and the local population had to incorporate new institutions and, with this, new permitted and prohibited actions. The methodological strategy consisted of a mixed study that included surveys in eight municipalities with a convenience sample of 400 people and key informant interviews. The results reveal that, although the initial configuration by decree was top-down, the information that all inhabitants needed to recognize the institutions responsible for the new policies was not disseminated. Therefore, after almost 24 years, the need for an integrated and participatory management that actively includes the local community and the various entities involved is still pending.

Compulsory environmental pollution liability insurance and corporate risk taking: a difference-in-difference approach

PurposeMany developing countries have encountered frequent pollution accidents during their rapid development, while the previously weak environmental insurance systems could seriously undermine the progress of sustainable development. Some developing countries like China has initiated and strengthened environmental pollution liability insurance, so how effective this system would be in resolving enterprises environmental risks need to be further revealed.Design/methodology/approachThis research identifies the possible consequence that compulsory environmental pollution liability insurance pilot (CEPLIP) policy would bring to the risk-taking capacity of heavy-polluting corporations of China by the Differences-in-Differences (DID) approach.FindingsThe result supports the implementation of CEPLIP policy in increasing corporate risk-taking capacity. Furthermore, the CEPLIP policy can promote the corporate’s risk-taking capacity by reducing financial distress constraints and enhancing trade credit, supporting its dual role of “fallback effect” as well as “external supervision effect” of environmental insurance. As a result of heterogeneity test, the policy is more pronounced in enterprise samples with mature life cycle stage or lower industrial concentration degree. Similarly, it is more significant in enterprise samples owned better environmental management capabilities or greater strategic deviance.Originality/valueThis paper verifies the effectiveness of the CEPLIP policy by strengthening its supervision mechanism and restraining opportunistic behavior tendency and provides implications for alleviating increasing environmental risk pressure and building more sustainable environmental protection management systems.

Navigating Environmental Stewardship: A Review of Construction Industry Practices in Developed Countries

Due to rapid urbanization, the construction industry has expanded significantly to meet human needs. Controlling environmental impacts in the construction sector has become a major global issue. The implementation of environmental management practices in the construction sector has contributed to protecting the environment through various management methods. This review aims to provide an overview of environmental management practices in the construction industry in developed countries, including a review of the types of environmental management practices and government policies for adopting these practices. The current status of these practices in developed countries is discussed, as well as the barriers and prospects for environmental management practices. Challenges include behavior adoption, lack of material standardization, monitoring difficulties, and inefficient formation of temporary organizations. Cooperation among construction parties presents coordination issues, exacerbating uneven cost distribution and neglect of environmental impacts. Adoption of ISO 14001 Environmental Management Systems faces hurdles such as lack of management involvement, third-party interference, and lack of guidelines. Initiatives like Green Star struggle due to poor enforcement and organizational issues, hindering sustainable development. To accomplish the goal of sustainable development, additional environmental factors have been taken into account and discussed.

The ISO 14001 standard's effect on agrifood small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises' performance: Literature review and empirical evidence

AbstractA significant part of the literature postulates the importance of economic factors and, in particular, market pressure as the main motivation for the adoption of environmental management systems, such as ISO 14001 (International Organization for Standardization). Most of these studies are based on questionnaire surveys assessing the perceptions or opinions of company managers. Few studies have investigated the relationship between the adoption of the standard and economic and financial performance using objective accounting data. This study aimed to test the link between ISO 14001 adoption and economic and financial performance using accounting data from 374 agrifood small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) in Spain during the period 2013 to 2015. The results showed that ISO 14001 contributes to improved commercial and marketing performance through a positive effect on turnover in domestic markets and especially in export markets. However, no positive relationship could be found between ISO14001 and company results or profits. Therefore, ISO 14001 can be considered more as a means of entering and developing sales, particularly in export markets, than a tool to enhance financial profits.

The contribution of the Commission for nature protection of the Academy of Sciences of the MSSR (1957–1980) to the establishment of the environmental protection system in the Republic of Moldova

The article analyzes the context of creation and activity of the Commission for Nature Protection of the Academy of Sciences of the MSSR during the years 1957–1980. Being initially authorized to coordinate scientific research in the field and to identify natural objects to be taken under the state protection, it had a much wider spectrum of activities that laid down the basis of the environmental protection system in the country. These activities included not only drafting of the Law on Nature Protection and the Government Decisions on establishment of the State Committee in this field, but also initiation of the network creation of state protected areas and nature monuments, along with preparation of the relevant regulations and of the Red Book. The Commission has also contributed to the protection and expansion of forests, soil conservation and water protection, as well as to the constant promotion of environmental awareness. As a result, the Commission has been instrumental in establishing an environmental management system in the republic that currently broadly meets international standards. Its achievements form the basis for the further development of the environmental protection system in the republic.

Exploring The Relationship Between Iso 14001 Ems and Esg Performance of Malaysian Companies

Global environmental concerns have garnered significant attention in recent times. Concerns about encouraging more ecologically friendly production to lessen the effects of pollution have been raised by industrial operations that cause environmental pollution. The adoption of an environmental management system in Malaysian firms, however, has received little attention. This paper explores the mediating effect of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) framework on the relationship between ISO 14001 Environmental Management System (EMS) and ESG performance of Malaysian companies. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) using SmartPLS 4 was employed to assess the relationship through a conceptual model developed for this purpose. A total of 86 completed responses were collected from the targeted respondents in Malaysia of different industries. With ESG framework as a mediator, ISO 14001 EMS has an insignificant relationship with ESG performance, and the R2 value of ESG performance is 0.243. When the ESG framework is removed, ISO 14001 EMS has a significant relationship with ESG performance, and the f-square value is 0.176. This effect size is considered medium. The results provide an empirical proof for Malaysian companies to adopt the ISO 14001 EMS as a business tool, with ESG framework as a mediator in order to enhance their ESG performance. The study’s conclusions highlight the implications of using ISO 14001 EMS as a tool for businesses in Malaysia to improve ESG performance.