Better environmental performance : a framework for integrated management systems (IMS)

Purpose – A previous paper in this journal focused on how the integration of standards‐based management systems used by major contractors operating within the construction sector could contribute to improvements in the environmental performance of a company. However, it was seen that the lack of a recognised management system framework to guide organisations and their operations was proving inhibitive to success. This paper aims to address that shortcoming, presenting a workable and useful framework for configuring integrated management systems (IMSs) targeted at delivering better environmental performance. It aims to report on a government‐funded research project examining the developments in and applications of IMSs applied to the environment, quality and safety of construction projects in the UK.Design/methodology/approach – The research project used a triangulated approach collating qualitative and quantitative data acquired by the multiple collection methods of questionnaire survey, structured and se...