The demands placed on companies in terms of environmental protection, regulation and transparency are increasing – not only at national but also at European level. If you want to act in a structured and credible manner, you need an environmental management system that goes beyond purely formal minimum standards. This is exactly what EMAS does. The European environmental management system is aimed at organizations that want to anchor sustainability strategically – with clear structures, comprehensible environmental performance and recognized advantages in competition and with authorities.
We will explain the system in detail in the following article.
Table of contents
1 What is EMAS?
EMAS (Eco-Management and Audit Scheme) is an environmental management system of the European Union that is based on the requirements of ISO 14001 – but goes beyond them. It is aimed at companies that want to systematically improve their environmental performance and at the same time document it transparently.
At its heart is a documented environmental management system (EMS) aimed at continuous improvement. EMAS not only obliges companies to record and manage their environmental impact in a structured manner, but also to publicly account for it – for example in the form of an audited environmental statement.
EMAS includes:
- Environmental audit (review)
- Introduction of an EMS in accordance with ISO 14001
- Publication of an environmental statement
- Verification by EMAS auditors
- Registration with a government agency
Additional requirements:
- Environmental performance must be improved (not just the management system)
- 6 core indicators must be addressed and reported on a mandatory basis (e.g. emissions, waste, energy consumption)
- Stricter external control: Only EMAS-registered auditors may audit (not every ISO auditor)
- Public reporting and entry in an EU register
In Germany, EMAS is also a prerequisite for access to certain funding programs and regulatory privileges. A comprehensive description can be found on the website of the Federal Environment Agency.
2. challenges and opportunities with EMAS
EMAS offers companies a clear structure to improve their environmental performance in a targeted manner – and to realize competitive advantages at the same time. The system goes beyond a pure management tool: it combines ecological responsibility with strategic benefits.
Companies that introduce EMAS must first fully implement ISO 14001. Both certifications can be carried out in a combined audit procedure. However, only if an EMAS-registered auditor is involved. Conversely, an ISO-certified company cannot simply “upgrade to EMAS” without going through the additional steps (e.g. environmental report, registration).
In the table below, we have once again clearly shown which environmental systems cover which criteria.
Companies create transparency and credibility through the published and audited environmental statement – both externally towards customers, authorities and the public, as well as internally towards the management, works council or employees. The EMAS logo and entry in the public register strengthen the company’s image and provide evidence of environmental protection in practice. EMAS is also economically attractive: it opens up access to numerous funding programs at EU, federal and state level – such as BAFA grants for consulting or project-related funding. At the same time, EMAS facilitates participation in public tenders, in which environmental management is increasingly considered a criterion. In addition, the systematic monitoring of environmental indicators often leads to concrete savings – for example in energy, water or waste. Regular audits, clearly defined targets and documented measures strengthen the internal structure and promote resilient, sustainable corporate development.
Compared to other systems such as ISO 14001, EMAS sets higher requirements – for example through the mandatory publication of environmental information, stricter external audits and proof of actual performance improvement. Documentation and internal organization require time and resources. However, with a clear project structure, digital support and competent guidance, these requirements can be managed well – and are in balance with the long-term opportunities that EMAS opens up.
3. successfully apply EMAS with Code Gaia
An environmental management system such as EMAS is only effective if it is implemented consistently and well thought out. Code Gaia supports organizations in implementing EMAS in a structured, efficient and team-oriented manner – from the initial environmental analysis to the final environmental statement.
The EMAS module from Code Gaia offers:
- Step-by-step guidance through the entire EMAS process – from data collection to audit preparation
- Digital planning of environmental targets and measures as well as clear progress tracking
- Transparent responsibilities through team assignment and clear roles
- Audit and reporting functionalities to fulfill requirements in an audit-proof and traceable manner
Many companies lose track of EMAS requirements in Excel spreadsheets or shared drives – Code Gaia provides clarity and an overview.
Code Gaia helps companies to achieve EMAS certification as efficiently and easily as possible. It replaces Excel island solutions with structured, auditable processes, creates transparency in the certification confusion and finally makes environmental management manageable: step by step, comprehensible, team-oriented. Whether in preparation for an audit or as an introduction to the world of environmental management – our solution brings efficiency, clarity and future-proofing to a field that was previously often characterized by complexity.
4. conclusion
EMAS helps companies to manage environmental responsibility professionally. The system is binding, transparent and, in the European context, often associated with legal and financial benefits. Companies that want to position themselves clearly, make their environmental performance transparent and participate in funding programs will benefit from the EMAS system in the long term, even if it means an initial outlay.
