What are the five main stages of an EMS defined by ISO 14001?

The five main stages of an Environmental Management System (EMS) as defined by ISO 14001 are essential for establishing an effective framework for managing environmental responsibilities. The correct answer includes Commitment and Policy, Planning, Implementation, Evaluation, and Review, which align with the systematic approach advocated by ISO 14001.

1. Commitment and Policy: This initial stage focuses on the organization's commitment to environmental management by establishing an overarching policy that guides all subsequent actions. It emphasizes the necessity of top management's involvement and visible commitment to environmental performance.

2. Planning: In this stage, organizations assess their environmental aspects and impacts, legal and compliance obligations, and set objectives and targets. This planning phase is crucial for identifying risks and opportunities, which informs more effective decision-making and resource allocation.

3. Implementation: Here, the organization executes the plans developed in the previous stage. This involves establishing roles and responsibilities, providing the necessary resources, and ensuring that processes are in place to achieve the set objectives.

4. Evaluation: This phase involves monitoring and measuring the effectiveness of the EMS. Organizations are required to track their environmental performance, compliance with legal requirements, and achievement of objectives, employing suitable metrics and indicators.

5. Review