This fact sheet identifies the types of economic benefits that local governments are experiencing with environmental management systems (EMS). An environmental management system (EMS) is a "best practices" tool that enables local government officials to set goals with respect to managing their facilities’ environmental impacts and to establish planning, staffing, and operational procedures needed to achieve those goals. By incorporating environmental considerations into an organization's decision-making structure, an EMS introduces employees to more efficient business processes. This often leads to enhanced operational effectiveness and a better bottom line. Experience has proven that investment in an EMS can mean money saved, reduced insurance premiums, improved bond ratings, and greater regulatory flexibility, as well as improved confidence on the management of environmental issues.