The article reflects the author’s approach to the construction and development of environmental management systems at Ukrainian enterprises in order to modernize. This will provide an opportunity to implement the principles of the global green course and ensure a stable competitive position in the markets. The main problems of environmental pollution are considered. It is determined that the biggest polluters traditionally remain transport, industry, energy and agriculture. The ecological efficiency of entrepreneurial activity in Ukraine is analyzed. It is noted that low environmental efficiency is associated with declining economic growth, deindustrialization, inefficient government innovation policy. The foreign experience of ecological modernization of enterprises is investigated. It was revealed that the state plays an active role in this process, and the projects of energy modernization, development of alternative transport infrastructure, renewable energy sources, public transport network are financed previously. It is believed that a comprehensive approach with the support of the state has allowed European companies to reduce energy consumption, reduce the impact on the environment and ensure the formation of a climate-friendly environment. The authors propose a number of measures that will promote the active environmental modernization of domestic enterprises, including the development of environmental policy to prevent negative impacts on the environment. The further activity of the enterprise will promote maintenance of steady ecological and economic effect at the expense of rational use of raw materials, natural resources.