Environmental management systems (EMS) enable businesses to manage and improve their environmental performance, leading to leaner and more efficient business  operations. This can not only bring direct financial benefits, but also lead to marketing and commercial advantages. However for most small businesses, resource restrictions can make a certified EMS difficult to achieve. To overcome this, the BS8555 standard has been designed specifically with small businesses in mind, allowing an EMS to be developed and implemented in a phased approach. Firms have the flexibility to spread the cost of introducing an EMS while gaining recognition of their commitment to environmental improvement. The company can then choose to get their EMS certified to ISO14001 or EMAS after completing the specified phases. This session will outline the practical steps for installing Phases 1 to 3, which develops a ‘basic’ environmental management system.