C2.12.1 Limitations of EMS
There are also perceived disadvantages to EMS. The most frequent reason cited is cost. The costs of developing and implementing an EMS could include:
- Investment of internal resources, including staff/employee time.
- Training of personnel.
- Purchasing new equipment (if necessary).
- Hiring an environmental employee or consulting assistance to develop, implement and audit the EMS.
- Technical resources to analyse environmental impacts and improvement options.
This is in addition to any costs associated with external certification.
One disadvantage of an EMS is that, by definition, systems suit larger organisations: the larger the organisation, the more likely it has already developed a similar systematic approach to management processes. This can create barriers for smaller organisations. There may also be a lack of adequate and appropriate knowledge and technologies, which can affect any size of organisation.