Step 1: Identify EMS Nonconformances

An EMS nonconformance can be initiated or discovered in a number of ways, including through:

Audit findings;
Suggestions from employees (e.g., from working with day-to-day operating procedures); and
Monitoring your significant environmental issues.


You do not need to wait until a formal internal audit to identify and follow-up on EMS nonconformances. An EMS is about continuous improvement, so seize opportunities to find and fix!

To manage an EMS nonconformance:

1) Identify and investigate your EMS deficiencies;
2) Determine their root causes; and
3) Implement a Corrective/Preventative Action Request/Report (CPAR) - who, what, where, and by when