What It Is

EMAS (Eco-Management and Audit Scheme), governed by Regulation (EC) No 1221/2009, is a voluntary EU framework for environmental management systems. It promotes continuous improvement in environmental performance through structured evaluation, reporting, and verification, applicable to all sectors and organization sizes.

Key Components

• Initial environmental review of direct/indirect aspects
• ISO 14001-aligned EMS with employee involvement
• Internal audits, management review, and core indicators (energy, materials, water, waste, emissions, biodiversity)
• Annual validated public environmental statements (Annex IV)
• Independent verification by accredited verifiers and registration with national Competent Bodies

Why Organizations Use It

• Demonstrates verified legal compliance and performance
• Reduces risks, operational costs, and greenwashing accusations
• Enables procurement advantages and ESG/CSRD synergies
• Builds stakeholder trust via transparent reporting

Implementation Overview

Phased approach: gap analysis, EMS design, operational controls, audits, verification. Suitable for SMEs (with derogations) and multisite operations; requires 12-18 months typically, involving cross-functional teams and digital tools for data governance.

What It Is

EN 1090 is a harmonized European standard family for the execution of steel and aluminium structural components. It implements the EU Construction Products Regulation (CPR), enabling CE marking for load-bearing components in construction. Its risk-based approach scales requirements via Execution Classes (EXC1–EXC4) based on consequence, service, and production categories.

Key Components

• **EN 1090-1Conformity assessment, Factory Production Control (FPC), and Declaration of Performance (DoP).
• **EN 1090-2/-3Technical rules for steel/aluminium execution (welding, tolerances, corrosion protection, inspection).
• Core principles: traceability, welding quality (ISO 3834), NDT, and Notified Body certification under AVCP systems.

Why Organizations Use It

Mandatory for EU market access; reduces liability, ensures safety, and builds trust. Benefits include defect reduction, rework minimization, and competitive bidding for high-risk projects like bridges and stadia.

Implementation Overview

Phased: gap analysis, FPC development, personnel training, Notified Body audits. Applies to fabricators globally targeting EEA; 6-12 months typical, with ongoing surveillance.