An EMS operates through a cycle of continuous improvement, often modeled after the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) framework:
1. Plan: Identify environmental aspects and legal requirements, set objectives and targets, and develop action plans. 2. Do: Implement the action plans, allocate resources, and train employees. 3. Check: Monitor and measure processes against environmental policies, objectives, and regulatory requirements. Report and document performance. 4. Act: Review and improve the EMS by taking corrective actions based on performance evaluations.