A cluster-based approach for the application of EMAS

by Marco Frey and Fabio Iraldo

This paper analyses the benefits of the cluster approach in adopting EMAS (the EC Eco-Management and Audit Scheme) by some companies operating in the territorial area of Lucca. The cluster approach proves to be effective in stimulating and supporting the adoption of EMAS and, more in general, to provide a better environmental management by the interested companies. In order to start up and maintain this particular networking approach, there is to be a strong motivation by one or more actors in the cluster that are able to take the initiative and make shared resources and common tools available for the involved organisations. This motivation could be an EMAS related recognition or award for the Promotion Committee. In addition to that, it has to be stressed that accredited verifiers must be fully involved in the application of this kind of approaches, in order to really enable (and promote) the use of shared resources and common tools by all the organisations of a cluster.