The installation and operation of Environmental Management Systems (EMS) is undoubtedly a very important step for a company that aspires to keep pace with modern requirements and directions of industrial development, and specifically with “sustainable development”.

If the high quality of the products produced and the satisfaction of customer requirements are a key element for the survival and development of a company, the parallel care for the environment is an essential factor for the recognition of a company, both towards customers (current and future), and towards the local communities that live and develop in the neighboring areas.

At the same time, foreign markets and especially those of North America and Western Europe, both at the level of the average consumer and at the corporate level, increasingly demand guarantees of integrated management of the indirect and direct environmental impacts from the operation of an industrial company, or an area of activity, such as marble quarries. The concept of environmental impacts includes both the restoration of environmental balance in a mining area, as well as the smallest possible impacts from the operation of processing and shaping facilities.

The Environmental Management System is used as a means to identify, record, assess and control environmental impacts with the aim of reducing them. The purpose of an EMS is twofold:

-  Compliance with legislation and regulations as a minimum and

-  Continuous improvement of environmental performance.

Indicatively, some of the benefits of implementing a certified Environmental Management System are the following:

-  Identification and resolution of problems by the company itself, preventing the intervention of external bodies.

-  Improvement of efficiency and discipline, as well as integration of business activity in combination with the quality management system (ISO 9001).

-  Greater participation of employees in the company's activities.

-  Reduction of pollution.

-  Setting a benchmark, based on a consistent methodology (common criteria), for the evaluation of current activities.

-  Improving the level of training of the existing workforce.

-  Demonstrating due diligence on the part of employees and the company.

-  Providing evidence to customers for the company's compliance with its obligations in relation to the environment.

-  Improving public relations by publicizing the company's commitment and its results for a safer, cleaner and healthier environment.

-  Responding to the specifications of national and international markets.

-  Gaining a competitive advantage for effective marketing.

-  Increasing market share.

-  Improving the company's public image.

-  Improving negotiating power in transactions with insurance companies and credit institutions.

-  Saving resources by reducing the consumption of raw and auxiliary materials, energy and waste disposal costs.

-  Strengthening the credibility of the company and limiting the potential risks from its operation.

-  Meeting the requirements of investors and shareholders.

-  Recognition of due diligence - avoiding potential penalties for violations of environmental legislation.

-  Acceleration of procedures for the granting or extension of permits.

Today there are 2 recognized Environmental Management Systems:

1. The System based on the international standard ISO 14001:2015 and

2. The Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS).

PROSPERITY LTD, with many years of experience, undertakes the study and development of an Environmental Management System, which is then implemented by the interested company under the guidance of the executives of PROSPERITY LTD. The Environmental Management System can meet the requirements of either the International Standard ISO 14001, or EMAS, or both. The correct implementation of the System and the satisfaction of the requirements of the standard is inspected by an independent Certification Body, which issues a certificate of conformity.

It should be noted at this point that PROSPERITY LTD does not simply carry out studies, but provides its clients with the know-how to design, implement and maintain an Environmental Management System. This means in simple words that PROSPERITY LTD trains the executives of Businesses/Organizations on the one hand to fully understand the requirements of the ISO 14001 standard and on the other hand to know how to use the tools it provides them (Manuals, procedures, forms, Instructions, software, applications, etc.).

The ISO 14001 standard can be developed and applied to any business and organization in a way that adapts to its size and activity. It is a useful tool in the effort of businesses to address environmental issues. It is also evidence of the environmental sensitivity of a business.

ISO 14001 defines the requirements for an Environmental Management System (EMS) providing a business with a framework for controlling the environmental impacts of its activities, products and services and helping to continually improve environmental performance. It also gives detailed guidance on the various elements of Environmental Management Systems and the important issues involved in their implementation.

EMAS (EC 761/2001) was officially issued in January 1994 and was revised in 2001 and 2006. The EMAS scheme initially applied only to industrial units and company areas, i.e. in the factory, warehouses, etc. It allows the voluntary participation of organizations, for the evaluation and improvement of the environmental performance of enterprises and the provision of relevant information to the public and other interested parties.

The purpose is to promote the continuous improvement of the environmental performance of enterprises by:

a. preparation and implementation of Environmental Management Systems.

b. systematic, objective and periodic evaluation of the performance of these systems.

c. information on environmental performance and open dialogue with the public and other interested parties.

d. active participation of employees in the enterprise, as well as appropriate education and continuous training.

EMAS requires the publication of an environmental statement for each facility, which is validated by an Accredited Body - Verifier.

The International Environmental Management Standard ISO 14001 has significant similarities with EMAS. A management system certified according to ISO 14001 is treated as a system that meets the requirements of EMAS. However, EMAS has one important requirement that is not present in ISO 14001:

the publication and verification of the environmental statement. Therefore, an ISO 14001 certified organization must additionally publish and have its environmental statement validated in order to proceed with EMAS registration.