Environmental Management Systems Implementation in Selected Industries in Uganda

Abstract

Environmental Management Systems (EMS) were of less significant focus in the earlier times because of the less degradation the industrial activities caused to the environment. However, the EMS evolved over time due to a variety of factors, including changing consumer demands, regulatory requirements, and increased awareness of environmental issues. The current study was set to examine the EMS implementation during the production processes in selected industries in Uganda. The study was based on three objectives: to determine the types of pollution control environmental management systems implemented in the selected industries in Uganda; to explore the benefits obtained as a result of the implementation of the pollution control environmental management systems during the production of goods in Uganda; and to examine the challenges faced during the implementation of the pollution control environmental management systems in the selected industries in Uganda. The study randomly selected three manufacturing industries, X, Y, Z and targeted a population of 100 members of staff. A total of the 76 respondents participated in the study. A case study research design was employed and both quantitative and qualitative approaches of data collection were used. A questionnaire and interview guide were used to collect data from the respondents. Data were entered into a Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) for analysis. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression. The study findings revealed that scrubbers and filters, regulatory command and control, use of energy efficient technologies and efficient waste management systems are some of the pollution control mechanisms implemented by the industries.  The benefits that accrued as a result of implementing the EMS on production processes within the factories include: cost savings due to efficient resource use, enhanced industry’s reputation, improved product quality, customer satisfaction among others. The challenges encountered during EMS implementation include; insufficient technical expertise, inadequate infrastructure, high operational costs, limited financial resources, and employee resistance to embrace the new technologies. The presence of the challenges encountered during EMS implementation are likely to stifle full attainment of the associated outcomes among the industries in Uganda. Hence, awareness of the benefits as a result of implementation of EMS should be created amongst all the employees for effective implementation. Also, industries should create a clear environmental policy that aligns the industrial goals and regulatory requirements. The institution concerned with implementation of the EMS should constantly monitor all the industries operating in Uganda for the uniform implementation of the systems.