EMS Phases

All three main schemes have a significant commonality in their stages and respective steps. In this context the newest scheme (BS 8555) provides a useful template to explain the respective steps of any EMS.
These basic steps are outlined below, with 1-5 being common aspects integral to each of the main schemes - EMAS, ISO14001 and BS 8555.
 

** Note - If the organisation is not following BS8555 and is instead pursuing either ISO14001 or EMAS then steps 5 and 6 will be integrated as a single phase...