What it’s about

The purpose of the remas project is to investigate whether industrial sites that have implemented a robust environmental management system (EMS) have improved environmental performance. In particular, the project will examine whether the European Community Eco-management and Audit Scheme (EMAS) and other established EMS’ lead to:

• improved environmental performance
  
  
• improved regulatory compliance.
  
  
  

How it will work

Whilst in theory, implementing an EMS should improve a company's environmental performance, there is little data to back this up. The remas project commenced on 1 November 2002 and over the next three years will collate data from sites throughout Europe with the aim of documenting the evidence to link the presence of an EMS to environmental performance. To be fully effective the project will be seeking data from sites with formal, informal and no EMS. In addition, remas will use this information to demonstrate ways of avoiding duplication from the overlap of regulatory process work and that of EMS implementation.


Getting involved

Visit the remas website to register your site with the project. http://remas.ewindows.eu.org/index.htm


The conclusion

The project will cascade its findings to key EU Regulators and policy makers in order to share understanding and enhance environmental management practice.


How it’s funded

It is co-financed by LIFE Environment and the remas project partners. LIFE Environment is an EU body that supports environmental demonstration projects. The Environment Agency for England and Wales is leading the project, working alongside the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA); the Environmental Protection Agency (in Ireland) (EPA); and the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA).