EMAS

The objective of the EMAS Scheme (Eco-Management and Audit Scheme) is to evaluate, report these results to the public and to improve environmental performance of organisations. Openness, truthfulness and periodic reporting of verified environmental data are key factors distinguishing EMAS Scheme from ISO 14001. Environmental statement is the main management tool for organisations to report results of continuous improvement of their environmental performance to the public, and their opportunity to promote their image to customers, suppliers, neighbours, contractors and employees. Organisations can also publish verified excerpts from their environmental statements, if they wish to inform selected interested parties of their environmental results.

The requirements for the establishment, verification, and validation of the environmental management system according to the EMAS Scheme are set out in Regulation EC 1221/2009.

EMAS-registered organisations can take into account sectoral reference documents (SRDs) and best practice reports (BPRs) on best environmental management practices and environmental performance indicators when developing and maintaining their environmental management system and reporting on environmental performance.

Registration procedure

The EMAS registration procedure is a two-stage process. Firstly, an accredited environmental verifier examines the compliance with EMAS requirements and validates the environmental statement. Secondly, they submit the verified environmental statement to an authorised body – The Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning that confirms if the organisation fulfils criteria for registration and afterwards records the organisation in the EMAS register.

SIQ is an accredited verifier for the verification of the environmental management system according to the requirements of the EMAS regulation and the validation of the environmental statement.

The verification procedure

The EMAS registration procedure is a two-stage process. Firstly, an accredited environmental verifier examines the compliance with EMAS requirements and validates the environmental statement. Secondly, they submit the verified environmental statement to an authorized body – The Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning that confirms if the organization fulfils criteria for registration and afterwards records the organization in the EMAS register.

Do you want to improve your environmental performance?

Why choose SIQ?

• Comprehensive solutions
• Professionalism and proficiency
• Independent and impartial conduct

Legislation:

• REGULATION (EC) No 1221/2009 OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL of 25  November 2009 on the voluntary participation by organisations in a Community eco-management and audit scheme (EMAS), repealing Regulation (EC) No  761/2001 and Commission Decisions 2001/681/EC and  2006/193/EC
• COMMISSION REGULATION (EU) 2017/1505 of 28 August 2017 amending Annexes I, II and III to Regulation (EC) No 1221/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the voluntary participation by organisations in a Community eco-management and audit scheme (EMAS)
• COMMISSION REGULATION (EU) 2018/2026 of 19 December 2018 amending Annex IV to Regulation (EC) No 1221/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the voluntary participation by organisations in a Community eco-management and audit scheme (EMAS)
• COMMISSION DECISION (EU) 2023/2463 of 3 November 2023 on the publication of the user’s guide setting out the steps needed to participate in the EU eco-management and audit scheme (EMAS) pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 1221/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council

More information can be found on the EMAS website.

Want to improve your environmental performance?

Currently, Sectoral Reference Documents and Best Practice Reports are available.

Currently, the Sectoral Reference Documents are available as Commission decisions (EU) for:

• the retail sector
• the tourism sector
• the food and drink manufacturing sector
• the agricultural sector
• the car manufacturing sector
• the electrical and electronic equipment manufacturing sector
• the metal products manufacturing sector
• the telecommunications sector
• the public administration sector
• the waste management sector