Q: What is an environmental management system?

A: An environmental management system (EMS) defines and establishes an organization's environmental policy and objectives. It also allows an organization to document and implement the procedures needed to attain these goals. A properly functioning EMS ensures that an organization is aware of the environmental impact of its activities, is taking steps to manage that impact, is able to determine the effectiveness of those steps, and can continuously review and improve its procedures, products and services.

ISO 14001, Environmental management systems -- Specification with guidance for use, outlines the essential characteristics of an ISO 14000 environmental management system.