How can you effectively manage environmental performance indicators in an EMS?

1 Define your EPIs

The first step to manage EPIs in an EMS is to define them clearly and consistently. You need to identify the environmental aspects and impacts that are relevant to your organization's context, objectives, and stakeholders. You also need to consider the requirements and expectations of the EMS standards and frameworks that you follow, such as ISO 14001, EMAS, or GRI. You should select EPIs that are SMART: specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. You should also define the data sources, methods, and frequency of measurement and reporting for each EPI.

2 Align your EPIs with your EMS goals

The next step to manage EPIs in an EMS is to align them with your EMS goals and targets. You need to ensure that your EPIs reflect the environmental performance that you want to achieve and improve. You also need to ensure that your EPIs are consistent with the environmental policy and strategy of your organization and the EMS standards and frameworks that you follow. You should establish baselines, benchmarks, and thresholds for your EPIs and compare them with your actual performance. You should also set realistic and ambitious targets for your EPIs and review them periodically.

3 Communicate your EPIs internally and externally

The third step to manage EPIs in an EMS is to communicate them effectively to your internal and external stakeholders. You need to inform and educate your employees, managers, and suppliers about the importance and benefits of EPIs and how they can contribute to them. You also need to report and disclose your EPIs to your customers, investors, regulators, and the public in a transparent and credible way. You should use appropriate formats, channels, and languages to communicate your EPIs and highlight your achievements and challenges. You should also solicit and respond to feedback and suggestions from your stakeholders.

5 Review and improve your EPIs

The fifth step to manage EPIs in an EMS is to review and improve them regularly. You need to assess and analyze your EPIs and compare them with your goals, targets, and expectations. You also need to evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of your EPIs and their measurement and reporting methods. You should use your EPIs to measure and demonstrate your environmental improvement and to recognize and reward your best practices and achievements. You should also use your EPIs to identify and address your gaps and weaknesses and to plan and implement your corrective and preventive actions.

6 Learn from your EPIs

The sixth and final step to manage EPIs in an EMS is to learn from them and use them as a tool for continuous improvement. You need to collect and share your EPIs and their results and lessons with your internal and external stakeholders. You also need to benchmark and compare your EPIs and their performance with your peers and competitors and with the best practices and standards in your industry and sector. You should use your EPIs to foster a culture of environmental awareness and responsibility and to encourage innovation and creativity. You should also use your EPIs to adapt and update your EMS goals, targets, and actions in response to changing environmental conditions and expectations.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?