Environmental Management Systems Flashcards
Why is it good to have an environmental management system?
Helps meet legal requirements
Demonstrates social responsibility
Market pressure
Protecting image / brand
Save money
What 4 steps is an environmental management system based on?
Plan
Do
Check
Act
What is the first stage of planning an EMS?
To secure commitment from senior management
What should a Managing Director sign as part of an EMS?
Environmental policy statement
What is the second stage of planning an EMS?
Conduct an environmental review
What is an environmental review?
An analysis of an organisation’s activities to identify the causes and effects of it’s polluting processes
What is the difference between an environmental impact and an environmental aspect?
Environmental impact = likely change in the environment
Environmental aspect = possible cause of the change
What does the check / audit stage of an EMS provide?
Assessment of:
How well action plans and procedures are being implemented
Whether targets and objectives are being achieved
What can failures to follow procedures be classed as?
Major non conformances
Minor non conformances
