Evaluation of EMS Standard in Promoting Sustainability

Evaluation of EMS Standard in Promoting Sustainability

• 1. Assignment: Evaluate the role of EMS Standard in promoting sustainable in an organisation – Case study By Indranil Deb, Environmental Management, 2024, CCE, IISc Organisation/ Industry analysed: Fujitsu Group, IT/ Tech product and service Industry Report analysed: EMS in Fujitsu Group Environmental Management System (EMS) assist businesses/ IT firms in identifying, monitoring, and controlling their environmental aspects, ranging from resource consumption to waste management. We will discover how IT companies are utilising EMS for their advantage -the purpose of case summary here is to understand how businesses can integrate sustainability into their operations. How it started: Fujitsu Group has constructed EMS based on the ISO 14001 international standard and is promoting environmental improvement activities across the Group. By the end of FY 2005, they extended the effort to other group companies outside Japan. Subsequently, the overseas subsidiaries switched to individual certification. Environmental Management Framework In April 2020, Fujitsu Group set up the Sustainability Management Committee, which leads the charge for management which takes sustainability initiatives into account. The Sustainability Management Committee has established major sustainability issues which are common globally (Global Responsible Business: GRB) and is working to address them, and the environment is one of those to be addressed. Management Based on the Line/Site Matrix Structure The Fujitsu Group carries out its environmental management within a matrix structure combining “Line activities” directly tied to the business operations of various Business Groups and companies and “Site activities” to tackle common themes affecting each factory or business location (such as energy conservation and waste reduction). Fig 1 In this way Fujitsu carry environmental management according to the same framework in the entire group and subsidiaries, while also reducing the environmental footprint generated by our business activities and the sale of our products and services. Fujitsu’s own EM tool - Ecotrack1 The Global Environment Database System (Ecotrack) is used to gather information about the environmental footprint 1 Environmental Management Initiatives (Case Studies) : Fujitsu Global Fig 1

• 2. (performance) of Fujitsu Group companies and business sites and centrally manage aspects such as planning, performance, and policy information. The Fujitsu Group uses the ISO 14001 Green Management System (GMS) to exercise unified control over the operational status of the EMS External Audits and Results To maintain ISO 14001 certification, Fujitsu is carrying out external audits by a certifying body. In FY2023, we were audited in Japan by the Japan Audit and Certification Organization for Environment and Quality (JACO). As a result, there were 30 opportunities for improvement and zero findings. The information is shared within the Group, and they work to improve upon the opportunities. The case study shows how businesses can integrate environmental sustainability into their operations, resulting in improved compliance, waste reduction, cost savings, and a better public image. In general implementing EMS in IT or IT lead tech product and services companies could help in many ways, few prominent implications are: Future of EMS standards and its role in organisations / industries: The future of Environmental Management Systems (EMS) is shaping up to be dynamic and increasingly integrated with new technologies, regulations, and societal demands for sustainability. Few areas where EMS might progress further helping companies adopt to pro environmental system: ▪ Smart EMS – integration of EMS with IoT and big data – to gather real time data ▪ Circular economy Integration – EMS standards would adopt more with circular economy principles, that emphasize reuse, recycling, and closed-loop systems. ▪ Life Cycle Assessment (LCA): EMS systems are expected to more comprehensively incorporate life cycle assessments to measure environmental impacts across the entire product lifecycle. ▪ Sustainable culture - Fostering a Green Mindset: Future EMS systems specially in Indian Medium Scale Enterprises, they should emphasize building a culture of sustainability within organizations. This includes training employees, engaging leadership, and integrating environmental goals into daily operations Drivers Advantages and opportunities Compliance EMS can help ensure that an organization meets environmental regulations and requirements. This can help avoid legal issues and penalties. Risk reduction EMS can help prevent incidents that could harm the environment, and exposure to litigation, fines, or sanctions. Reputation EMS can help build trust in a brand and attract environmentally conscious customers. Efficiency EMS can help identify and address areas where resources are being wasted, such as energy, water, or material management. Leading to motivation among employees/ stakeholders. Market Opportunities EMS certification help companies maintain customer base and enhance brand reputation and this could lead to new business opportunities in different markets.