Int. J. Applied Decision Sciences, Vol. 5, No. 3, 2012 215 Copyright © 2012 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd. Applying the principles of Six Sigma to environmental management systems Anahita A.N. Jami Environmental Applied Science and Management Program, Ryerson University, 350 Victoria Street, Toronto, M5B 2K3, Canada E-mail: anahita.asadolahniaj@ryerson.ca Cory Searcy Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Ryerson University, 350 Victoria Street, Toronto, M5B 2K3, Canada E-mail: cory.searcy@ryerson.ca Kouroush Jenab* Society of Reliability Engineering-Ottawa, 812-761 Bay Street, Toronto, Ontario, Canada E-mail: jenab@ieee.org *Corresponding author Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to explore the potential benefits of applying the key principles of Six Sigma to environmental management systems (EMSs). A conceptual framework for the application of Six Sigma to EMSs was developed. The application of the conceptual framework is demonstrated in a case study focused on a major Middle Eastern manufacturing company. The case study showed that there were numerous benefits to applying the principles of Six Sigma to EMSs. An approach based on the conceptual framework was successful in reducing thinner consumption in the case company’s paint-mixing room by 37%. Other benefits included cost reductions, less waste to the landfill, decreased amount of waste water, reduction of emissions, reduction of energy consumption and safety improvements. It is anticipated that the results will be of interest to practitioners and researchers in quality and environmental management. Keywords: environmental management systems; EMSs; quality management systems; QMS; Six Sigma; integration. Reference to this paper should be made as follows: Jami, A.A.N., Searcy, C. and Jenab, K. (2012) ‘Applying the principles of Six Sigma to environmental management systems’, Int. J. Applied Decision Sciences, Vol. 5, No. 3, pp.215–232. Biographical notes: Anahita A.N. Jami is PhD candidate in the Environmental Applied Science and Management Program at Ryerson University. She received her BSc in Chemistry from Shahid Beheshti University, her first Master’s degree in Urban Management is from Allameh Tabatabai University,