Conference Papers

The call for abstracts has closed and full papers are due on 17 July 2009. 

Submitting your paper

1. Download the template: Right click here and select 'Save Target As...' to download the template.
2. Complete your paper.
3. Go to the website: http://www.ems.asn.au and  click the link to the Author Gateway (RH side of page).
4. Your abstract (s) will appear.
5. Click the icon and follow the prompts to add a new version.

Timeline

• 30 May: Abstracts to be received
• 17 July: Final papers to be received
• 30 August: Reviews completed and papers published
• 15-17 September: Conference in session

Themes

1. Relevance of EMS to industries and agencies.
How has the use of EMS affected your organisation, business or agency? This session aims to explore what difference using an EMS has made, through case studies and/or critical analysis of EMS outcomes. As a business, has an EMS made things easier in terms of operations? As a regulator, has the EMS process made it easier to work with various industries? As a staff member, have the communication, training and other elements improved the work place? How has an EMS 'fitted' with your business or agency?

2a.  Is it just about the carbon?
With the current focus on carbon emission trading and greenhouse gas reporting, should the only focus of an EMS be carbon? Does EMS allow the effective management of a suite of issues, or should it zero in on the 'sexy' topic of the day? How do you decide what issues to include in the EMS development?

2b.  Integration of management systems.
With the increase in familiarity of management systems across the board, many industry sectors are seeking to implement integrated management systems. This session will share the experience of IMS users and highlight where various Standards can help or hinder the process. For example, how well do EMS, OH&S and financial management systems fit together. Can multi-factor monitoring and reporting do the same job as more targeted work? What factors have assisted in developing integrated systems, and are there any pitfalls to be aware of?

3.  Recognition and reward for EMS users.
For many, the initial attraction for using an EMS can be the potential market advantages gained. However, there are many other motivations for EMS use, and consequently, a range of 'recognition and reward' factors come into play. Regulatory relief, public recognition and preferred supplier status are some of the relevant methods of recognition and reward that have been applied. This session will showcase the ways in which EMS users have been recognised and/or rewarded, and discuss some of the considerations that are relevant for 'rewarding' EMS users.

4.  Sharing the responsibility for environmental management.
The public:private good debate has long raged in natural resource management circles. Is EMS an effective tool for sharing the responsibility (and the cost!) for environmental management. Where are the boundaries when it comes to EMS? Can we better share responsibility and outcomes, rather than shifting the blame? What mechanisms have you employed to engage customers, suppliers, regulators and others in achieving your EMS outcomes? Are there other factors that need to be developed or implemented to allow greater support in improving environmental management and outcomes?