What are three examples of measurements to be used for target setting for an EMS?

• A. The reduction of water consumption, energy saving, and recycling rate
• B. The reduction of specific waste, the safeguarding of resources and the reduction of emissions of pollutants
• C. Employee morale metrics and training hours
• D. Revenue growth and market share

Answer: (B)

Target setting in an EMS relies on measurable indicators that reflect how the organization impacts the environment—specifically waste generation, how resources are used, and the level of pollutants released. Three examples that fit this approach are the reduction of specific waste, safeguarding of resources, and the reduction of emissions of pollutants. Reducing specific waste focuses on cutting the amount of waste produced or diverted from disposal, which directly lowers environmental burden and disposal costs. Safeguarding of resources signals more efficient use of inputs like water, energy, and materials, enabling targets that conserve scarce resources and reduce footprint. Reducing emissions of pollutants targets the pollutants released into air, water, or soil, tying improvements to regulatory and health considerations and making progress easy to measure over time.

Other options are less aligned with EMS target setting. A set focusing on water and energy use plus a recycling rate is valuable, but it emphasizes inputs and a single process metric rather than three broad environmental impact areas, making it a less balanced trio for targets. Metrics about employee morale or training hours address internal people processes rather than environmental performance, and revenue growth or market share pertains to business performance rather than environmental impact.