What is an Environmental Management System?

An Environmental Management System (EMS) is a comprehensive approach to managing environmental issues, integrating environment-oriented thinking into every aspect of business management. An EMS ensures environmental considerations are a priority, along with other concerns such as costs, product quality, investments, PR productivity and strategic planning. By using an EMS to convert environmental problems into commercial opportunities, companies usually become more competitive. Benefits There are many benefits in keeping an EMS such as reduced operating costs, reduced legal risks and potential liabilities and reduced future liabilities and constraints. In nearly every case, an EMS reduces operating costs through waste reduction, energy conservation, and other savings. The typical payback period for an EMS is typically 9 months to 2 years. An EMS also provides a structured framework for identifying and meeting regulatory requirements. This results in fewer fines and other regulatory complications over time. Lastly, it provides a consistent way to manage your organization away from constraints imposed by future regulations, material shortages, community complaints, and other issues. ISO 14000 The ISO 14000 family addresses various aspects of environmental management. It provides practical tools for companies and organizations looking to identify and control their environmental impact and constantly improve their environmental performance. ISO 14001:2004 and ISO 14004:2004 focus on environmental management systems. The other standards in the family focus on specific environmental aspects such as life cycle analysis, communication and auditing. ISO 14001:2004 ISO 14001:2004 sets out the criteria for an environmental management system and can be certified to. It does not state requirements for environmental performance, but maps out a framework that a company or organization can follow to set up an effective environmental management system. It can be used by any organization regardless of its activity or sector. Using ISO 14001:2004 can provide assurance to company management and employees as well as external stakeholders that environmental impact is being measured and improved. The benefits of using ISO 14001:2004 can include: Reduced cost of waste management Savings in consumption of energy and materials Lower distribution costs Improved corporate image among regulators, customers and the public ISO 14001:2004 and SMEs

Small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) also benefit from ISO 14001:2004. However, implementing an environmental management system in SMEs can be challenging. The publication ISO 14001, Environmental Management Systems - An easy to use checklist for small business, will help SMEs to achieve the benefits of implementing an environmental management system based on ISO 14001. Environmental Impact Assessment Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a tool for assisting environmental management and for contributing to Sustainable Development. The purpose of EIA is to identify potential environmental impacts from proposals, such as projects and programs, and to propose means to avoid or reduce the significant impacts. EIA was developed formally in the 1970s and has been incorporated in the procedures of governments and major development organizations world-wide. Landbank of the Philippines The Land Bank of the Philippines is a government financial institution that aims to balance its social mandate of promoting countryside development while remaining financially viable. Today, it is by far the largest formal credit institution in the rural areas. Its goal is to serve as the financial arm of agrarian reform. In support of its Corporate Environmental Policy, Land Bank developed and implemented an EMS that ensures the Bank's adherence and promotion of environmental protection & sustainable development. The Land Bank Plaza was certified against ISO 14001:1996 version in 2005 and was subsequently upgraded to ISO 14001:2004 version in July 2006.

Landbank's Corporate Environmental Policy Land Bank shall actively promote environmental protection and sustainable development by incorporating effective environmental management practices in all its agrarian and banking operations, services and decisions. 1. Compliance - comply with the environmental laws, regulations and covenants 2. Pollution Prevention - implement effective pollution control and waste management programs, practice conservation of natural resources and conduct proper environmental risk assessment and management 3. Communication - enjoin its employees to be aware and be actively involved in the implementation of its EMS. Inform and influence its clients, stakeholders, suppliers and business partners to align with the bank's goal. 4. Continual improvement - commit to continuously review and improve its environmental programs in response to changing needs and conditions. Implementation of Landbank's EMS

As ISO 14001:2004-certified institution, Landbank's conformity to applicable environmental laws and regulations is constantly monitored by the Bank. Other environmental initiatives of the Bank include the implementation of the "Proper Use of Landbank facilities", "Anti-Smoke Belching Campaign Program" wherein the Bank coordinates with DENR for the implementation of a free annual emission and refrigerant testing for its Bank-leased vehicles and employee-owned vehicles, "No Smoking Policy" and "Emergency Preparedness and Response Program". The Landbank Plaza was recognized for its efforts in observing environmental management practices, among which are the 94% energy efficiency rating under the National Energy Efficiency and Conservation Program in Government Buildings and was awarded the Blue Rating Recognition by the Laguna Lake Development Authority with respect for the Bank's compliance to environmental standards and regulatory requirements.