2- Review of Literature

2- Review of Literature

2.1 Introduction

This chapter comprises of detailed literature review of environmental management system. It covers review of background of EMS, development of EMS, elements of EMS, its implementation, EMS and its role as a tool for cleaner production & sustainable development. This chapter covers the review of constraints in implementation of EMS in manufacturing industry as well, with having a look on incentives and benefits.

 2.2 Background

Over past few decades, with the increase in production demand and consumption need, industries have adopted the theme of mass production regardless taking into account the aspects of environmental degradation. In past, industrial accidents like, Bhopal disaster in India in 1984(Adams 1990) and other similar incidents before or later on, opened a new way regarding environmental consciousness. 

This figure 2.2.1 represents the environmental pressure group that urged the companies to adopt EMS. Modern technology, customer environmental awareness, government restrictions and similar aspects as labelled are considered the drivers for change.

 This awareness about sustainable development and green future, stressed the international business community to formulate international environmental standards and policies for an effective green business and sustainable development. The adoption and maintenance of EMS was the main element on business agenda (James: 1999) for improving environmental performance to reduce the environmental impact through sustainable improvements and development (Sebhatu and Enquist: 2007).

 Furthermore, on the eve of United Nations Conference on Environment and development (UNCED) in 1992, Business council for sustainable development (BCSD) concluded that the international business community need to develop environmental management standards. In 1993, new technical committee ISO /TC207 ‘Environmental Management’ started work to develop environmental standards with the assistance of other relevant authorities. In 1996, two standards (ISO 14001 and 14004) under the supervision of sub committees, SC1 and SC2 published officially (Sheldon 1997 p.19).

  Almost all environmental experts define environmental management system (EMS) in same context with little variation in wording and position of these wordings. Christie et,al (1995: iX), states that “environmental management systems are set of techniques and disciplines that facilitate movement by firms towards cleaner production”.

Moreover, Sheldon (2006) and other environmental experts describes EMS as a formal approach to improve the environmental performance.

 In addition, talking about socio-ecological aspect of the sustainability, (Sutton P. ed. 1997 in Sheldon p.212, 1997) ‘The Sustainable Development has been described as “development that brings about ecological, social, and economic sustainability while contributing to the achievement of society’s other goals”.