Environmental management systems in the architecture, engineering and construction sectors

Abstract

Implementing and using environmental management systems (EMS) in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) sectors has received worldwide attention but never through a phenomenological lens. This study investigates the ‘lived-experiences’ of experts who have implemented and used ISO14001 in AEC organisations based in the UK. Using a qualitative research strategy of semi-structured interviews, extensive analysis of the conversations reveals several themes, namely: participants believe ISO14001 is not just an environmental business tool, ISO14001 offers a means for delivering sustainability, ISO14001 accreditation opens doors for business accruement, and, moreover, ISO14001 is more than a badge, rather it is a modern-day business necessity. The study also reveals that not all those organisations asking for ISO14001 have the accreditation themselves. Based on this evidence, and contrary to previous studies that have proposed EMS are chiefly implemented to save costs and comply with legislation, it seems box-ticking as part of a tendering process is now the major motivation for organisations to attain and maintain ISO accreditation. Further, concerns are expressed that some organisations are unwilling to state their sustainability objectives or embed their operations within an EMS that will be audited because it could emphasise their poor performance to stakeholders.