What is an essential resource for the implementation and control of an environmental management system?

An essential resource for the implementation and control of an environmental management system (EMS) is the time allocated by top management for EMS review. This is critical because the active involvement and commitment of top management set the tone for the entire organization regarding environmental responsibility. When management prioritizes time for EMS review, it emphasizes the importance of the system, ensures adequate oversight, facilitates strategic decision-making, and fosters a culture of continuous improvement. This allocation of time allows management to assess the effectiveness of the EMS, ensure compliance with environmental regulations, and engage in proactive measures to enhance environmental performance.

The presence of specialized skills by corporate counsel might be helpful for legal compliance issues but does not directly affect the operational success of the EMS. Employee disciplinary programs can play a role in ensuring compliance at an individual level but do not constitute a framework for the systemic implementation and control of an EMS. Likewise, management supervision and performance evaluations are important, but without dedicated time for review, these efforts may lack strategic alignment and continued momentum needed for effective EMS operation.