Environmental management systems in construction procurement
It is critically important that construction enterprises understand how their operations will affect the surrounding environment, and take steps to comply with relevant regulations.
It is critically important that construction enterprises understand how their operations will affect the surrounding environment, and take steps to comply with relevant regulations.
Understanding the requirement for third party certified EMS
Since 1 April 2016, all construction works contracts procured by a Centre of Procurement Expertise (CoPE) have required all main contractors seeking to tender for construction works projects to maintain an Environmental Management System (EMS) certified by a third party.
An EMS helps an organisation:
- minimise how its operations affect the environment
- comply with applicable laws and regulations and
- continually improve in relation to each of the above
Further details and best practice guidance on the requirements of an Environmental Management System can be found in Annex B of the Construction Toolkit.