Introduction to the Environment

Over the next four weeks we shall be posting some thoughts and ideas on the key aspects of Environmental management and how this may impact your business.

Although we will provide more specific guidance on environmental topics, it is important that organisations consider the levels of arrangements to demonstrate some compliance with legislation:

Level 1 – Environmental policy

This can be a simple statement or a more detailed commitment towards the environmental subjects that are relevant to your organisation.

Level 2 – Environmental impact assessment

A more intrusive look at the aspects and impacts your organisation has on the environment. Like a normal risk assessment, this will identify the risks associated with the activities of the organisation and the correct control measures to reduce that impact.

Level 3 – Management system

The mature organisations will require some structured environmental management. This will include various procedures, templates, and audit schedules to demonstrate your organisation is clearly managing their responsibilities. This is an investment for those wishing to promote good environmental practice.

Level 4 – ISO 14001

Implementing your management system is essential if you are striving towards achieving ISO 14001 accreditation. You will need to appoint an EMS co-ordinator and have a clear internal and external audit regime to test the management system in line with the standard and your activities. There are many benefits for achieving this but will require investment of time.

Finally, another option is to arrange an independent environmental audit to measure current performance. This will then provide you with an action plan. 

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