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Promotion of EMAS through other voluntary awareness, information and communication tools
Published on 12 December 2018
Spain
Cataluña
This is the good practice's implementation level. It can be national, regional or local.
About this good practice
European environment policies consider that many of the environmental issues can be better addressed through interaction between key economic actors and the use of a comprehensive and integrated set of instruments and not only through legislation. The dissemination effect of EMAS by the edition of the guides has been variable depending on the sector of activity. In the case of Catalonia, the guides have been conceived within sectoral pilot experiences with the collaboration of different organisation and this has allowed collecting know-how and valuable feedback. Usually, the guides have been publicly presented in conferences and other events, so there were also a way to disseminate information about EMAS and EMAS organisations to companies of the same sector.
Eco-management manuals:
- Practical Guide for the implementation of an environmental management system on the beaches
- Manual for the implementation of environmental management systems in the Marinas
- Experience of implementing an environmental management system in the Government of Catalonia
- Guide for the preparation of Environmental Statements according to the EMAS Regulation
- Guidelines for the prevention of soil pollution in the environmental management system
- Guidelines for the implementation of an environmental management system in Cultural Entities
- Practical guide for the implementation of an environmental management system for pharmaceutical laboratories
- Others (32 in total)
Eco-management manuals:
- Practical Guide for the implementation of an environmental management system on the beaches
- Manual for the implementation of environmental management systems in the Marinas
- Experience of implementing an environmental management system in the Government of Catalonia
- Guide for the preparation of Environmental Statements according to the EMAS Regulation
- Guidelines for the prevention of soil pollution in the environmental management system
- Guidelines for the implementation of an environmental management system in Cultural Entities
- Practical guide for the implementation of an environmental management system for pharmaceutical laboratories
- Others (32 in total)
Expert opinion
EMAS (Eco-Management and Audit Scheme) is a voluntary EU initiative designed to improve companies' environmental performance. It provides a framework for organizations to assess, manage, and continually improve their environmental impact. It provides enhanced credibility and transparency, improves environmental and financial performance, as well as employee engagement. The Regional government of Catalunia has developed tailored EMAS manuals to address their specific needs and challenges of different sectors. This is a great way to boost adoption of EMAS. The good practice would be interesting for regions which with low EMAS registration uptake and also for regions. In case regions are interested in one of the concrete sectors covered by the guides they can build on them.
Works at
Interreg Europe Policy Learning Platform
Resources needed
The technical effort required depends if the organisation that develops the guides counts on technical (1 person part-time work) and economic support. The cost associated to the realisation of a guide in digital format by an external consultant is between 12.000€ and 15,000€ (VAT not included).
Evidence of success
Guides are excellent tools to promote EMAS.In Catalonia EMAS register data are available since 1998.Currently 234 organisations are registered (408 centres).According to the data of April 2019,Catalonia represents 6.3% of the total EMAS registers in Europe and contributes around 25% of the total number of EMAS registers in Spain.Downloads of the guides from web inform us of the interest that the documents may have. For example,from January 2018 to May 2019, more than 150 downloads were recorded.
Potential for learning or transfer
The guides allows EMAS and non EMAS registered companys to get information on their environmental aspects and it provides guidance on potential improvements. Such awareness action can lead to a better performance of organisations and could also encourage some of them to get EMAS registered as they can easily understand how to do it. The promotion of theses tools well targeted to the sectors susceptible to this support, is part of the policies to promote a production of products and services from a sustainable development perspective. For the countries that are promoting EMAS, the guides can be a good reference to boost it. The guides may have reinforced the decision-making associated with the adhesion of a company to the EMAS register. The sector range to which the guides are directed, allows the analysis for the selection of those that are of most interest for their strategic adaptation to each territory, to promote and position EMAS as a driver of the Circular Economy.
Further information
Website
Good practice owner
You can contact the good practice owner below for more detailed information.
Organisation
Regional Government of Cataluña
Spain
Cataluña
Contact
Technician of Service of Environmental Qualification