International Network for Environmental Management (INEM)

Reviewed by the Internet Centre for Cleaner Production

International Network for Environmental Management (INEM)
http://www.inem.org/
INEM is a non-profit organisation devoted to environmental management and cleaner production. The INEM network is represented by affiliated environmental management associations and cleaner production centres throughout the world.
This is an interesting and important site for Cleaner Production. Relevant topics are:
Environmental Management Tool Kit
EMAS Tool Kit for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
Case Studies

Environmental Management Tool Kit
(http://www.inem.org/inem/inem_tools.html)

This page contains excellent information on Cleaner Production. A must page to visit for technical information. Most of the information provided is in PDF Format and requires the free Adobe Acrobat Reader 2.1 or higher for reading/printing. The procedure given for download, is for Apple Mackintosh computers. Follow the procedure below for PCs: Right click the download link of your chosen file.
Chose save option (Save target as …) and save to your chosen directory. Information and downloads available on this page:

Eco-mapping Guide

A visual tool to analyse and manage environmental performance of smaller organisations. "By drawing a series of "maps," one quickly locates the most significant environmental hazards on the company site, and pinpoints areas for improvement. Once completed, the set of eco-maps serve as basis for environmental management system documentation." Environmental Good Housekeeping Guide for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises "Good Housekeeping" is possibly the first step in Environmental Management. It is low or no cost and usually comprises of common sense measures to improve environmental performance and overall productivity. "Good housekeeping" practices relate to a number of measures dealing with preventing the loss of raw materials, minimising waste, conserving water, saving energy, and improving the company's operational and organisational procedures." This guide is 32 pages long and comprises checklists, examples, organisation issues and costing. ISO 14001 - Implementing an Environmental Management System This handbook provides basic knowledge and tools to assess the viability of implementing an environmental management system (EMS) such as the ISO 14000. It includes a method of self-assessment, explains the steps in the implementation of an EMS and compares the different EMS standards (ISO 14000, EMAS and BS 7750). Environmental Management Systems:
An Implementation Guide for Small and Medium-sized Organisations The link provided is actually a link to the US EPA website. It is an extensive manual covering over 160 pages. Well worth visiting! Eco-controlling - A Tool to Implement Value-based Environmental Management "This paper presents eco-controlling as a tool for efficient and effective environmental management of production sites and firms in line with current standards like EMAS and ISO 14001 without covering every aspect of these standardised environmental management systems." This 19-page paper is well worth reading. 1997 CERES Environmental Report Guidelines These guidelines come in two formats, the short and standard form. They are basically checklists to assist in the writing of environmental reports. They are useful and straightforward.

EMAS Tool Kit for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
http://www.inem.org/emas-toolkit/

This site contains a very comprehensive guide to assist small companies in implementing an environment management system that meets the requirements of EMAS.

Relevant links are:

Tool Kit (http://www.inem.org/inem/toolkit/content.html)

This tool kit is provides the step-by-step information to obtain the EMAS. These steps would also be useful for any EMS. When navigating the sections, more information can be found at the bottom of each page. The topics are:

Introduction

Introduction to EMAS
What are the Benefits and Costs of EMAS? EMAS Tool Kit How to Develop an Environmental Policy
How to Carry Out an Initial Environmental Review
How to Ensure Compliance with Environmental Legislation
How to Develop an Environmental Program
How to Establish an Environmental Management System
How to Carry Out an Environmental Audit
How to Update Environmental Objectives
How to Develop an Environmental Statement
How to Get Official Recognition Case Studies

Further Assistance/Contacts

Downloads (http://www.inem.org/inem/toolkit/emas-toolkit_downloads.html) This page allows you to download the tools required for the Tool Kit as mentioned above. The tools include questionnaire, forms and checklists. Most are in Rich Text (RTF) format and download very fast.

Case Studies
http://www.inem.org/inem/inem_casestudies.html

Case studies reinforce the fact that environmental measures are sound investment and creates a win-win situation for both the environment and business. The added advantage of an integrated approach like Cleaner Production is demonstrated here. These studies also prove that the advantages gained from environmental measures are achievable and beneficial to all organisations, large or small. This page gives examples, allows the submission of a case study and also contains external links to other Case Study sites.

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