Is there renewed interest in EMAS?
The third version of the EMAS (Eco-Management & Audi Scheme) regulation came into force in on 29 November 2009 without the blink of an eye. Over the last few months, however, DNV has started to see some large organisations begin to enquire about EMAS Registration – one of which has just been registered. This is quite surprising as for many years EMAS in the UK remained in a back-water, and has had a steadily decreasing number of registrations from its peak of about 130 to the current 61. In comparison, Germany leads the way with approximately 1400 registrations, with Spain and Italy both having over 1000 each.
So what has caused the rise in UK interest? Reasons cited include that it is a recognised best practice and questions being raised about EMAS in a supplier questionnaire. From DNV’s perspective, registration to EMAS represents best practice over and above ISO 14001 – principally because it requires an externally verified environmental report (or so-called Environmental Statement). The UK Government has also had a recent consultation on the subject of mandatory Greenhouse Gas reporting. If it materialises, then EMAS could used as a tool to help comply.
Only time will tell if interest in EMAS will take off.
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