RM1: Environmental Management System (EMS) – Above Green

Intent

This indicator assesses the entity’s use of a systematic process to manage environmental impacts, risks and opportunities.

An Environmental Management System (EMS) is an internal framework that structures all procedures, projects and tactics into a cohesive program which aligns the sustainability efforts at entity level. An EMS can assist entities in managing and improving their environmental performance, complying with environmental laws and regulations, identifying financial savings through more efficient operating practices, and improving the standing of the business with staff, client companies, partner organizations and other stakeholders.

Use of an aligned or certified EMS framework provides assurance to both the business and external stakeholders that environmental impacts are measured and acted upon using a recognized and proven methodology. Periodic reviews of the EMS ensure its continuing suitability and effectiveness for the entity.

Requirements

Select yes or no. If yes, select all applicable sub-options.

Does the entity have an Environmental Management System (EMS)?

Yes
- The EMS is aligned with a standard
  - ISO 14001
  - EMAS (EU Eco-Management and Audit Scheme)
  - Other: ____________
- The EMS is externally certified by an independent third party
  - ISO 14001
  - EMAS (EU Eco-Management and Audit Scheme)
  - Other: ____________
- The EMS is not aligned with a standard nor certified externally
- Upload file or URL where in the evidence the relevant information can be found____
No

Validation

Aligned with a standard: Report the recognized standard used for the alignment of the EMS.

Externally certified: Provide the name of the recognized standard applied.

GRESB requires certification to be undertaken by a third party and not by the participant. EMS certification may only be obtained for one (or more) of the main standards/schemes, for example ISO14001.

Note that aligning or certifying individual sections of the EMS does not comply with the requirements of this indicator and does not constitute a valid answer.

Evidence: Document upload or hyperlink. The evidence must sufficiently support all the items selected for this question. If a hyperlink is provided, ensure that it is not outdated and the relevant page can be accessed within two steps.

To qualify as valid, the evidence provided must include:

A clear framework for managing an entity’s environmental impact.
A high level outline or diagram of the implemented EMS.
The stages, elements, and/or processes currently covered by the EMS.

If the EMS is externally certified by an independent third party, the evidence must include signed proof of the certification according to the standard, which must be named within the evidence, as well as contact information of the independent third party involved, and the date of the most recent certification.

If the EMS is aligned with a standard, the evidence must include the name the standard used for alignment and define the degree of alignment with the standard. Elements of the EMS that align with the standard can be summarized, called out, highlighted, or shown in a diagram.

See Appendix 2a for additional information about GRESB Validation.

Scoring

2 points, G

Scoring of this indicator is equal to the fraction assigned to the selected option, multiplied by the total score of the indicator.

Evidence: The evidence is manually validated and points are contingent on the validation decision.

Other: The 'Other' answer is manually validated and points are contingent on the validation decision.

See the Scoring Document for additional information on scoring.

Terminology

Alignment: To agree and match with a recognized sustainability standard (either voluntary or mandatory).

Certified: Third-party recognition of meeting the requirements of a recognized standard.

Environmental Management System (EMS): A framework for managing an entity’s environmental impact based on its sustainability and related objectives. An EMS provides a practical framework for the assessment of environmental impacts, establishment of impact reduction targets, and the development of plans to achieve targeted reductions. An EMS enables an entity to take a structured approach to planning and implementing environmental protection measures.

An effective EMS is analogous to a financial management system that monitors expenditure and income to support analysis of financial performance. An EMS can cover a wide range of environmental topics, including, but not limited to: energy, GHG emissions, water, waste, transportation, climate change, resilience, risks, and materials. It can also refer to a wide variety of internal procedures, targets, persons responsible for implementing these procedures and working towards achieving the entity’s objectives. In summary, an EMS is used to formalize the strategic approach of the entity towards ESG. It outlines the structure used to monitor and manage environmental topics.

ISO 14001 Alignment: ISO 14001 defines a complete EMS to include four stages:

Plan
- Define the scope of the entity’s environmental policy (the most important areas of impact and relationship with primary stakeholders)
- Define and maintain environmental objectives and targets (short-term and long-term)
- Define the materiality matrix, based on priority sustainability issues
- Identify relevant legal requirements and environmental legislation
- Define emergency procedures
Do
- Ensure the implementation of the action plan established in stage one and the maintenance of the systems in place
- Assign responsibility for the overall development and maintenance of the system
- Offer training and/or support to the people in charge to ensure conformity with the policy
Check
- Establish appropriate communication channels with the people in charge
- Monitor and document progress
- Ensure compliance with applicable legal requirements
- Identify and correct non-conformity
Act
- Schedule periodic management reviews on results and next steps
- Evaluate performance against targets
- Determine corrective and preventative actions
- Provide feedback and suggestions for improvement
- Prepare and/or update procedures and supporting documentation

The process above provides an example of an EMS outline with the stages and elements included. The EMS, and therefore the supporting evidence, does not necessarily have to be structured according to the ISO recommendations. While adherence to ISO 14001 is not required, the reported EMS should support the purpose identified in ISO 14001 and provide comparable functionality.

References

LEED BD+C: Core and Shell, v4, Sustainable Sites; Water Efficiency; Energy & Atmosphere; Material & Resources; and Indoor Environmental Quality

BREEAM In-Use International, Asset Performance; and Building Management

ISO 14001:2015 Environmental management systems – Requirements with guidance for use

ISO 14004:2015 Environmental management systems – general guidelines on principles, systems and support techniques