International environmental management systems: challenges and opportunities

Abstract

This paper will examine the failure of the material compliance model of environmental health and safety (EH&S), define the drivers which compel adoption of a new model, and survey the environmental management systems (EMS) which have emerged to meet the demand for a new model. I will argue that current conditions create inexorable pressure to move beyond mere compliance into the realm of what I will call EH&S Performance. I will further argue that the most effective way to transition from compliance to performance is by implementing a world class EMS.