Analysis of Benefits and Barriers in Implementing the Eco-Management and Audit Scheme in Selected Organisations

The development of enterprises in the 21st century must involve care for the natural environment. Owing to the introduction of ecological activities, entrepreneurs gain in the economic, ecological and social sphere. That is why it is so important to implement and disseminate ecological management in companies. Although undoubtedly the environmental awareness of entrepreneurs is increasing, there is a lack of much interest in implementing additional systems such as the EMAS Eco-Management and Audit Scheme. The purpose of the present study was to determine the impact of a functioning EMAS management system on the activities of organisations that have implemented this system. The basis for the evaluation was the results of research and a review of domestic and foreign literature. The results of the research show that the organisations undertook to implement EMAS observing a number of benefits. However, at the implementation stage, there were numerous, not always foreseen, difficulties which extended the planned implementation period. The conducted research can be the basis for the development of new procedures facilitating the implementation of the systems in the enterprise. They can provide valuable information for various organizations supporting and disseminating the development of pro-ecological management.