eCommerce and the Environment

What is an Environmental Management System?

An Environmental Management System (EMS) is a framework which enables a business to manage its environmental performance and comply with environmental legislation.

Why is EMS important to your business?

Many business activities do have an impact on the environment. An effective EMS can help to lessen this impact, and can even help to achieve savings through lower operating costs and waste reduction. Environmental Management makes good business sense.

What role does eCommerce have in Environmental Management?

There are many elements of eCommerce, from basic applications to more advanced technologies, which encourage environmentally sustainable working practices. These include (but are not limited to) the use of eMail, electronic forms, on-line billing and payment methods (all of which can reduce paper consumption) through to the use of video conferencing and virtual private networks (to reduce the amount employees travel, thus reducing green house emissions).  Ultimately, effectively using eCommerce to promote good environmental practices can create cost savings for your business.

Where can I get further information or support?

Support is available for Welsh businesses to help develop an effective EMS. Environmental Management requires planning and commitment from a business, and can change the way your business does things on a day-to-day basis. Step-by-step approaches have been designed to help businesses implement sustainable practices, as and when it is most appropriate for them. In many cases, grant aid is also available to assist with these changes.

A number of organisations provide information on Environmental Management Systems; some of these can be found on the further information page.