Methodology of integrated assessment of effectiveness of environmental management system

Popularity of the system approach to solving environmental problems at the level of an enterprise is manifesting itself in growing interest in the implementation of modem environmental management systems (EMSs) in accordance with the requirements of PN-EN ISO 14001 standard. The enterprises which as the first were awarded the certificate of compliance with the requirements of the aforementioned standard have already had their systems re-certified or are preparing for it. The fact that environmental management systems have been functioning in Polish enterprises for several years now allows for assessment of the effects generated by said systems. Knowledge of the methodology and criteria of assessment of effectiveness of the functioning of environmental management systems as well as the ability to carry out such assessment will facilitate the popularisation of the environmental management systems, in particular in small and medium-sized enterprises.