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Eco-Management and Audit System (EMAS)

It was established by Regulation (EC) No. 761/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 March 2001 allowing voluntary participation by organizations in a Community Eco-Management and Audit System (EMAS).

This voluntary program intended to encourage private organizations to evaluate and improve their environmental performance and to develop a means for providing relevant information to interested parties. Companies that participate have to develop an internal environmental monitoring and continuous improvement system that is similar to ISO 14001. Senior management must develop a comprehensive environmental policy (monitoring, measuring, emergency response, record keeping, training …) for the organization that addresses both direct and indirect environmental aspects of organizational activities, and must open dialog with interested parties regarding the environmental impact of their activities, product and services. Organizations participating in EMAS must be registered and audited periodically by an ‘environmental verifier” accredited by a recognized accreditation body.

Directive Code	Directive Name	Directive Date	Date of Enforcement
Regulation (EC) No. 761/2001	EMAS: allows voluntary participation by organizations in a Community Eco-Management and Audit System	19-Mar-01	-