Overview of Integrated Environmental Management

PHILOSPHY OF IEM

• Holistic.
• Decision-making process.
• Multidisciplinary analyses and interdisciplinary synthesis

WHAT IS IEM

A framework for harmony between development and environment

CHARACTERISTICS OF IEM

• Environmental factors are taken into consideration.
• Play a positive role in guiding the development process.
• Directs considerable attention to:
• Long-term ecological criteria.
• Aesthetic considerations.
• Scientific/educational interests.

GOAL OF IEM

• Resolve/mitigate negative impacts – enhance positive aspects.
• Stimulate creative thinking.
• Provide a systematic approach.
• Formalise approval process.
• Ensure that monitoring and desirable modifications take place.

OBJECTIVES OF IEM

• Principles of sustainable development.
• Responsible and justifiable decision making.
• Legislation.
• Collection of objective information and reliable unbiased data.

PRINCIPLES OF IEM

• Decision making.
• Accountability.
• Participatory approach.
• Consultation
• Alternative options.
• Mitigate negative impacts – enhance positive aspects.
• Social costs vs social benefit.
• Democratic regard for individual rights / obligations.
• Compliance.
• Public and specialist input in decision making process.

The Environmental Management System

KEY BENEFITS OF EMS

• Improved environmental performance.
• Reduced liability.
• Competitive advantage.
• Improved compliance.
• Reduced costs.
• Fewer accidents.
• Employee involvement.
• Improved public image.
• Enhanced customer trust.
• Better access to capital


Effective system:

Management must communicate to all employees the importance of:

• Making the environment a priority.
• Building environmental management in everywhere.
• Looking at problems as opportunities.