Sustainablility Management EMASplus

Definition and scope

EMASplus sustainability management is an integrated management system which consciously and consistently gears corporate action over the medium and long term towards the most positive overall outcomes along economic, environmental and social dimensions of action. This involves adhering to the principles of sound business practice whilst also taking into account the perspective of society as a whole.

EMASplus does not define sustainable management purely as a technical management task, but also highlights corporate social and environmental responsibility as an ethical challenge and a task of leadership.

EMASplus is an ethical and integrated management system which puts into operation the concept of CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility).

EMASplus sustainability management system

In the Sustainable Churches project, the sustainability management system EMASplus was developed in a three-year pilot phase, and introduced and successfully piloted in fifteen church-based and social enterprises in Germany, Austria, France and Spain. The pilot establishments had their EMASplus practices validated by independent appraisers.

Based on EMAS

The structure and process of EMASplus is based on the proven standard of the European Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS). EMASplus contains an improvement cycle involving action not only on “environmental” but also on “economic” and “social” issues.

Introduction throughout Europe from 2010

The EMASplus standard developed during the project is a basis for companies and organisations to set up and obtain certification of the management system. The standard is suitable for all sectors and for companies of all sizes.

Support materials

For the introduction of the EMASplus management system, detailed documentation was developed and tested. Checklists, questionnaires, methodological guidelines, a management handbook and software are available, together with implementation standards which serve as the basis for certification.