An Environmental Management System (EMS) is not one single entity – it is made up of a myriad of information components At the core an EMS has processes and data in numerous forms, the management of which parallel the overall governance of information management. However, creators or users of an EMS may find it difficult to aptly manage this information, or may believe there is no value in doing so. In order to gain the greatest value from information generated by an EMS, it is crucial to recognise what needs to be managed and why. If the EMS is being developed as part of an initial strategy, the process (from recognition of purpose to the final full implementation and maintenance) becomes the true, unique value to the systems developer/user. However, many unique, potentially significant, EMSs are essentially unrepeatable because the information remains under (or over) managed. The formula for EMS value is therefore effectiveness + repeatability x benefit = $value.

This paper describes simple, unambiguous methods for information management which provide strategic benefit to the system user. It discusses segregating units of information into process, benchmarks and evidence data that are essential to ensure credibility and robustness. Well mastered information then forms the basis of straightforward audit and governance practices. Amongst many benefits, this leads to informed decisions sanctioned with the assurance of current, understandable, absolute and valid data. Options then lead to open communication, sharing or controlled release of the information which may empower strategies of self-expansion, joint venture, intellectual property licensing, sales or any other means of diversification.