Environmental Management System Accreditation

The NSW Government Environmental Management System Guidelines Edition 2 (September 2009) were developed to facilitate the achievement of improved environmental performance of the construction industry. For archive purposes only, the NSW Government Environmental Management System Guidelines Edition (1998) are also available.

Download the "How to apply for OHSMS/EMS accreditation" information sheet
Download the Accreditation Application form.

Gaining Accreditation for a Environmental Management System

Contractors seeking to work on major projects (all projects of $10million or more, and projects under $10million if they are environmentally sensitive) will need to have a corporate Environment Management System (EMS) accredited by a NSW government construction agency. The accreditation for all organisations accredited under Edition 1 of the guidelines will be rolled over to Edition 2.

An organisation's corporate EMS will be accredited if it meets one or both of the following requirements:

• it has been assessed or accepted by the relevant NSW government construction agency as complying with the requirements if the Guidelines (in particular it must address the key elements described in Sections 5 & 6 of the Guidelines)
• it has been certified by an appropriately recognised third body as complying with AS/NZS ISO 14001:1996 Environmental Management Systems and the organisation can also demonstrate that the EMS addresses the specific requirements of the guidelines, in particular evidence of implementation.

When a contractor or consultants EMS addresses all elements in the Guidelines, they should contact one of the below NSW government construction agencies to make arrangements to submit their EMS for accreditation:

• NSW Department of Finance and Services
• Roads and Traffic Authority
• Housing NSW 
• Hunter Water

NOTE: All agencies charge a processing fee of $1200 to assess an organisation's Corporate EMS. A further fee may be charged is the accreditation application needs to through further assessment.
 

Changes to the Accreditation Scheme

From 1 September 2010, construction contractors will receive accreditation for the OHSMS for a fixed period. At the end of this period, organisations will need to seek accreditation again, otherwise it will lapse.

Following a successful desktop audit, organisations will be accredited for an initial period of 3 years. Progressing to a second three-year renewal period will be dependent on an organisation demonstrating successful implementation of its accredited OHSMS and / or EMS during the initial three-year period. The performance review takes into account accredited organisations undertaking government and non-government work.

A Practice Guide has been prepared to assist agencies undertaking accreditation and to provide industry with an understanding of the changes. 

Register of Construction Contractors and Consultants for EMS

NSW Procurement maintains a register of companies with NSW government-accredited Environmental Management Systems.

Disclaimer of Liability - Registered Contractors / Consultants
NSW Department of Finance and Services does not accept any liability arising from the use of any company listed on the register or from the exclusion of any company because they are not listed on the register. Any person or organisation using a company or organisation on the register, or refusing to use a company because they are not listed on the register, does so at their own risk. The register does not replace due diligence in the selection of a service provider.
 

Other Resources:

Office of Environment and Heritage