2017-05-11T11:07:42Z

2017-05-11

Default License

Environmental performance

masterThesis

Environmental management--Standards

Armed Forces--Environmental aspects

free

School of Economics, Business Administration and Legal Studies, MSc in Environmental Management and Sustainability

During the last decades a large number of public organizations and private corporations worldwide, have adopted Environmental Management Systems (EMS) aiming to enhance the efficiency of their efforts that minimize environmental impacts . An EMS consists of planning, implementing, developing and reviewing procedures and activities . The comprehensive nature of the EMSs proved to be beneficial to their users, not only regarding their environmental performance, but also for the performance of other sections such as the economic, administrative and public affairs. On the other hand , due to the complexity that characterizes EMSs , the assessment of their effectiveness usually turns out to be quite challenging. Consequently, even though EMS is one of the most widely used tools , its effectiveness remains under question by a large number of researchers . This dissertation provides a review on EMS in the military sector globally and an assessment of its effectiveness. The significant environmental impact of military operations combined with their multidimensional nature as well as the Armed Forces vital importance, have resulted a need for a holistic approach of the ecological management integration in the military activities . However, the EMS effectiveness assessment is even more demanding in the defense sector. The EMS effectiveness assessment is carried out through the examination of environmental performance indicators (EPIs). Th is dissertation provides a study on EMS implemented by USA and UK Armed Forces (which is ISO 14001 model , adapted to their singular characteristics) followed by an assessment based upon certain EPIs. The conclusions presented may contribute to a better evaluation of EMS as an integrated tool in the Armed Forces management.

Botetzagias, Iosif

IHU

93