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EMAS - Eco-Management and Audit Scheme

1. What is EMAS?

EMAS (Eco-Management and Audit Scheme) is a voluntary EU environmental management scheme that builds upon ISO 14001. Its main objective is the continuous improvement of environmental performance and full transparency through public reporting.

2. Key Elements (Comparable to ISO 14001)

  • Environmental policy – commitment to improvement and compliance with legislation
  • Planning – identification of environmental aspects, objectives, and programs
  • Implementation – roles, training, communication, and process control
  • Checking – internal audits, monitoring, and corrective actions
  • Management review – evaluation of performance and setting new objectives

3. How EMAS Goes Beyond ISO 14001

  • Mandatory environmental review before implementation
  • Public environmental statement – validated by an external verifier and published
  • Use of best available techniques (BAT)
  • Registration in the EMAS register – official registration after successful verification
EMAS Registered Organizations in Bulgaria

4. Benefits of EMAS

  • Increased transparency and trust from customers and institutions
  • Improved environmental performance and compliance with legislation
  • Reduced risks and costs through systematic management
  • Enhanced image as a sustainability-oriented organization

Comparison: EMAS vs ISO 14001

CriterionISO 14001EMAS
TypeInternational Standard (ISO)European voluntary scheme (EU)
PurposeEnvironmental Management SystemBuilds on ISO 14001 and adds transparency and legal compliance requirements.
Key requirementsPolicy, planning, implementation, audit, reviewAll requirements of ISO 14001 + additional obligations
Environmental reviewRecommendedMandatory prior to registration
Public reportingNot mandatoryMandatory environmental statement validated by an external verifier
Legal complianceRequires commitmentFull demonstrated compliance with legislation
RegistrationNoneRegistration in the EMAS register
LogoNoneEMAS logo for communication
AuditInternal + external certification auditInternal + external audit + verification of the declaration
Additional requirementsNoneUse of best available techniques

TÜV NORD Bulgaria Ltd.

13 Nayden Gerov St., 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria

Tel.: +359 32 624 243
bulgaria@tuev-nord.de

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