Abstract: Environmental management systems ~EMSs! are intended to formalize procedures for managing and reducing environmental
impacts. Construction firms typically do not have comprehensive and certified environmental management systems. This paper discusses
the elements of environmental management systems, the relationship to the ISO 14001 standard, and the importance for construction firms
to implement an EMS. A case study of a certified environmental management system for a construction firm is presented. Benefits and
costs of such systems are identified. The paper concludes that construction firms should begin to work towards implementing more
complete environmental management systems, although fully certified systems are not essential.
DOI: 10.1061/~ASCE!0733-9364~2004!130:3~330!
CE Database subject headings: Environmental impacts; Engineering firms; Construction industry.