What is the relationship between pollution prevention, sustainability and EMS?
Sustainability is generally defined as meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs (see EPA Region 10’s Sustainability Website). Sustainability principles generally include a discussion of balancing environmental, economic and community concerns and consideration for present as well as future generations. Activities such as EMS and Pollution Prevention help organizations improve regulatory compliance and overall performance; all of which encourage movement towards more sustainable environmental stewardship now and in the future. A commitment to preventing pollution is a cornerstone of an effective EMS and should be reflected in an organization’s policy, objectives and other EMS elements.
