An evaluation of current environmental management systems as indicators of environmental performance

Purpose This paper aims to evaluate current environmental management systems as indicators of the environmental performance of an organisation. Design/methodology/approach It considers, in particular, the development of current environmental management systems BS EN ISO 14001:1996 and the eco‐management and audit scheme (EMAS) 761/2001 EEC. Findings Currently, organisations implementing either BS EN ISO 14000:1996 or EMAS do not need to comment on overall environmental performance. Environmental management is viewed as the control of all human activities that have significant impact on the environment. Neither standard comments on the degree of control exercised, the approach taken, or the effectiveness of that control. Originality/value Environmental performance evaluation guidelines are appraised, and quality awards as a conceptual framework for classification of environmental performance are introduced.