EMS Performance: How to measure?

Hi, how do you measure the performance of an EMS as opposed to meeting identified targets and objectives?

 

What clause in ISO 14001:2015 does it require to measure performance of an EMS?

The last time I checked is that clause 9.1.1 requires the organization to measure, monitor, analyze and evaluate its environmental performance. The Terms and Definitions at 3.4.11 defines environmental performance as "performance related to the management of environmental aspects", with a Note that says "For an environmental management system, results can be measured against the organization's environmental policy, environmental objectives or other criteria, using indicators.

 

You guys are right. It's actually my organisations operating licence (enforced by our regulator) that states we must report on our 'objectives and targets of the EMS'. I'm wondering if I can interpret this as 'objectives and targets of the organisation' (as opposed to directly on the EMS)?

The performance against these objectives is one way of evaluating our environmental performance. The EMS is the framework/tool used to achieve and measure performance, not the actual measure itself.

The only other thing I can think of is to report on EMS specific trends in the management review eg. number of audits, corrective actions etc???

 

When establishing objectives relevant to the organization's significant environmental aspects, below are some that I can readily identify:

• water conservation;
• energy conservation;
• waste reduction;
• substitution to environment friendly processes, materials and products;
• reduction in operation's pollutants (e.g. SOx, NOx, VOC, BOD, COD, etc.);
• reduction in carbon footprint;
• paper reduction;
• reforestation...

You can also set objectives that are relevant to applicable statutory, regulatory and other requirements.