EMAS in Environmental Management

Development of environmental management systems (EMS) is an important issue for all cities. Many UBC members are doing an active job on them, and co-operation is a good way to go ahead! Bearing this in mind, the UBC together with other partners is soon launching the large European project "EMAS Peer Review for Cities".

EMAS is the European Environment Management and Administration Scheme. It is a comprehensive system for environmental management which can well be used in municipalities. It is also a good next step for cities which have already worked with MEA, the Municipal Environmental Audit of the Baltic Cities.

Now the UBC together with Eurocities and other partners is starting the "EMAS Peer Review for Cities" to help cities start using EMAS. In the project, eight member cities from the EU Accession countries will develop their environmental management together with eight cities from EU countries. The activities, the "peer review", is based on co-operation and exchange between colleagues. Therefore, the two-year project will also create many good contacts which can be useful for a longer time.

This project will also be introduced at the EMAS Workshop in Rostock, 15-16 November. The City of Rostock has already worked with EMAS for several years - with good experiences. The Rostock workshop is aiming at disseminating these experiences, as well as exchanging views of the different systems. Like EMAS, MEA and Eco-Budgeting. If you are interested in the EMAS activities, you are most welcome to contact the Project Co-ordinator.