EMAS-2 Launch Set

Friday 24 August 2001

Proposals to revise the EC eco-management and auditing scheme (EMAS) were strengthened in conciliation between the European Parliament and Council of Ministers in late November. The revised Regulation is likely to be formally adopted in the spring.

The new-look EMAS contains few surprises. It is more closely aligned with the international standard ISO14001; is open to all sectors and organisations; and aims to be more user friendly - especially for SMEs.

All participants will have to consider their different audiences when preparing statements and will have to state how they are achieving continual environmental improvement.
At the last minute, the Parliament succeeded in strengthening the link between the scheme and legal compliance and including safeguards to ensure the competence and impartiality of verifiers.