Environmental Management Systems Library - Your Guide to EMS
If you're responsible for managing environmental compliance, sustainability goals, or ISO-related requirements, an Environmental Management System can feel both powerful and overwhelming. EMS programs are meant to bring structure, but too often they turn into binders on a shelf that no one actually uses.
This Environmental Management Systems Learning Center brings together practical guidance to help you understand how EMS programs work, what they should include, and how we can help build something that fits your operation. Whether you are starting from scratch, improving an existing system, or preparing for ISO 14001 certification, this is a reliable place to get grounded.
Maybe you’re not quite ready to reach out yet, and that’s completely fine. EMS programs raise a lot of questions, especially around documentation, responsibilities, audits, and how detailed the system really needs to be. That’s exactly why we built the EMS Learning Center: one clear place to understand what makes an EMS effective and what regulators, auditors, and leadership teams actually care about.
From EMS fundamentals and policy development to internal audits, continuous improvement, and ISO 14001 alignment, this is where you’ll find experience-driven guidance. Every article, video, and resource here is based on real EMS programs RMA has built, fixed, and supported for organizations of all sizes. Our goal is to help you create a system that works in practice, not just on paper.
Becoming An EMS Expert Ever feel like you’re just crossing your fingers when it comes to environmental compliance? If you're the one responsible for SPCC plans, NPDES permits, inspections, training,...
Just fill out the form and our team will be in touch as soon as possible. We’ll learn a little more about your situation and figure out if we’re the right fit to help. If it looks like we can, we’ll walk you through the next steps and answer your biggest questions. If not, we’ll point you in the right direction so you can move forward with confidence.
Looking for more information? Check out all of our Environmental Management System (EMS) resources here!
If you’ve made it this far, you’re likely thinking about how to build or improve an EMS that actually supports your operation instead of slowing it down. That’s a smart move. A well-designed EMS can reduce risk, improve consistency, and make compliance easier, but only if it reflects how your organization really works.
Whether you’re preparing for ISO 14001 certification, responding to audit findings, rolling out a new system, or trying to fix an EMS that never quite clicked, we hope this page has helped you clarify your next steps. At RMA, we’ve designed and supported EMS programs across industries, from simple internal systems to fully certified programs.
If you’re ready to talk with someone who builds practical, defensible EMS programs for a living, fill out the form here. A member of our team will reach out to learn about your goals, answer your questions, and help you determine the best path forward. No pressure, no sales pitch, just thoughtful guidance from people who do this every day.
We’ve helped organizations across a wide range of industries bring structure and consistency to their environmental programs, stay compliant, and feel confident when audits, inspections, or reviews come up. Scroll below to see how other companies have partnered with RMA to build Environmental Management Systems that actually work.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
I first met Doug of RMA in 2002 when I attended an environmental course he developed for the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association. Doug’s ability to effectively communicate and explain the voluminous environmental regulations pertaining to the concrete industry is remarkable. He is truly a gifted speaker and teacher. If you are new to the industry or the environmental field, I strongly recommend participating in Doug’s courses. Since then, we’ve worked together on several projects including an NPDES permitting, and most recently, further development of the Green-Star EMS Program at NRMCA. Doug’s passion, experience, and insight are always welcomed assets on any environmental project.
Ryan Sewell
US Concrete
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Simply put, as a consultant to the ready mixed concrete industry, Doug Ruhlin and the staff of RMA are one of the foremost authorities in terms of environmental regulations, permits, and responsibilities.
Gary Mullings
National Ready Mixed Concrete Association
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Doug of RMA has prospered as an environmental consulting firm by seamlessly combining his experience as an educator with his expertise as a respected environmental professional to analyze and communicate complex technical issues to both company management as well as the general public. This unique talent has helped cement Doug's reputation as THE environmental voice for the construction materials industry.
John Hayden
Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
I have come to know RMA through our affiliation with the New Jersey Concrete and Aggregate Association. I continue to be impressed with their knowledge and professionalism. Perhaps more importantly, their passion for our industry and the work that he does is unparalleled. I do not hesitate recommending him for your environmental needs.
Ken Yuhas
Grace Construction Products
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
I have known Doug Ruhlin of RMA for nearly 20 years. RMA has been a leader in the environmental arena for all of that time. They're intimately versed in the key environmental issues that affect aggregates and concrete producers; they know the laws, regulations and both industries thoroughly. RMA has helped steer the formulation of new regulations and they have helped to direct industry's response to the current and new regulations - in multiple states. I would not acquire an existing operation or start a greenfield plant or quarry without consulting Doug.
Tarek Khan
BASF
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
I've worked regularly with RMA since 2018. The team is outstanding and every interaction has been positive. They have a legacy of industry expertise already built and they're constantly exploring new ways to help clients.
Travis Keener
Hydration Engineering, PLLC
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
RMA has provided consistent and reliable support for all environmental matters brought to them. They can be both to the point or really dig into the issue depending on what is needed. Highly respected!
Bryan Wigginton
CalPortland
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
After an extensive search, our firm hired RMA to educate our team on industry environmental best practices. Doug and his team were very thorough in their presentation and supporting documentation, and gave us a real world expectation of what we should be mindful of regarding reclaiming, slurry water, pH levels, permitting and other topics. I would highly recommend RMA to any company interested in understanding the important elements of environmental compliance, sustainability and those interested in positioning themselves as leaders in environmental stewardship.
Owen Blevins
Mid-Atlantic Concrete Equipment
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
I've had the privilege to work with RMA on multiple occasions. I cannot recommend them enough. In the complex, ever-changing world of environmental management - they help make it digestible. Everyone there is incredibly approachable and has a wealth of knowledge. Once you work with them, you won't want to work with anyone else.
Jacob Canale
Silvi Materials
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Tremendous help RMA was with permit transfers for a newly acquired company. Chris, Amy, always there to answer any questions that I had throughout the process. Appreciate the help they give keeping us to stay in compliance with training during the year.
Chris Young
Tanis Concrete
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
RMA has been great to work with the last several years. They are always available to answer any questions we may have and all our needs are met with a quick response.
James Holston Jr
Vulcan Materials Company
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
We have been using RMA for several years. They always go above and beyond our expectations.
Phillip Hudson
Cumberland Supply
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Could not ask for better support! RMA should be your choice as well!
Bryan Wigginton
CalPortland
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
A great consulting company.
Patrick Buster
Braen Stone Company
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
RMA will provide the support you need. If they do not know it already, guaranteed they will do the research. Highly recommended!
Bryan Wigginton
CalPortland
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Doug and his firm consistently offer the highest quality of environmental services in the ready mixed concrete industry.
Frank Cavaliere
National Ready Mixed Concrete Association
Whether you need help with a single requirement or want to hand off your entire environmental program, we get it done right, the first time. You'll feel protected, confident in your company's regulatory standing, and ready for whatever comes next.
Tel: 888-RMA-0230 | Email: info@rmagreen
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