An Environmental Management System (EMS) is a method of organizing and managing an organization's environmental performance; and, it provides a structured process for continuously improving this performance over time.  Some of the key components of an EMS are; environmental policy, environmental aspects, environmental management programs, legal requirements, training, structure/responsibility, communication, document control, operational control, emergency preparedness/response, monitoring/measurement, nonconformance/corrective action, records, audits and management review.  In summary an EMS is a plan, do, check, and act process built around the organization’s environmental policy.

In early 2002 Tolko initiated an EMS and in November 2002 the Woodlands section of Tolko Manitoba successfully registered to the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), Environmental Management System Specification Standard (14001).