Vivendi

Gilles Vincent, Deputy Head, “Industry and Environment” Unit – Environment Directorate-General, European Commission
(SDR 2006-2007)

« EMAS-registered companies are renowned for their high environmental performance, transparency and credibility - all assets which differentiate EMAS from the rest of management systems available today.
More than ever, environment and profit can be reconciled: EMAS companies often explore avenues such as the life-cycle approach, eco-designed products and innovative solutions to long-standing environmental problems, which are also economically profitable.
Evidence shows that improved environmental performance often triggers innovation which in turn leads to competitiveness; clean production pays off in terms of lower energy, waste and resource costs; environmentallyfriendly companies find it easier and more economical to comply with environmental legislation; there is an increasing demand for eco-designed products; and being green results in a better corporate image.
The Commission is in the process of reviewing EMAS. Not only is it considering ways of making the scheme even better recognised as the scheme of excellence in this field, but it is also considering making the scheme available to companies located beyond the EU frontiers. This will give it a global dimension. It would address not only the needs of companies located outside the EU but also those of companies with branches located both within and outside the EU. »