Environmental Management Systems

Question 1

Give 4 Drivers for Environmental Management for Development

Answer 1

1. Cost Savings
2. Legislation and Regulatory Approaches
3. Investors/Shareholders
4. Banks and Insurance Companies

Question 2

In what year did the UNCED (Brazil) take place, in which ISO made a commitment to support sustainable business development?

Answer 2

1992

Question 3

What does ISO stand for?

Answer 3

International Organisation of Standardisation

Question 4

In what year was the ISO TC 207, which established 14000?

Answer 4

1993

Question 5

In which year was ISO 14001 established as the official international standard for an EMS?

Answer 5

1996

Question 6

What are the 3 aspects of European EMS?

Answer 6

1. Europe 2020 Programme
2. Environmental Liability Directive 2004/35/EC
3. European ECO-Management and Audit Scheme

Question 7

What is Risk Analysis?

Answer 7

A systematic investigation to assess the financial and physical risks that may affect a business venture

Question 8

What 3 things need to be considered in a Risk Analysis?

Answer 8

1. People
2. Property
3. Environment

Question 9

What are the 4 points that make up the technical definition of EMS?

Answer 9

1. A structured framework for managing an organisations significant environmental impacts
2. A practical tool to understand and manage environmental impacts
3. A framework to improve environmental performance and resource efficiency
4. A process to engage with employees, customers, clients and to improve reputation

Question 10

What is the PDCA cycle?

Answer 10

Plan-Do-Check-Act

Question 11

What is an environmental policy statement?

Answer 11

A set of fundamental and clearly stated goals and principles

Question 12

What are the 7 elements of an EMS?

Answer 12

1. Ensures employees environmental awareness and competence
2. Clear definition of objectives and targets
3. Accountability for environmental action
4. Proactive programme, in which, senior management plays an active role
5. States procedures and programmes
6. Implementation of actions
7. Monitoring, checking and auditing of the system

Question 13

What is the difference between Objectives and Targets?

Answer 13

Objectives are overall goals and the targets are the benchmarks for working towards these goals

Question 14

What are the 3 types of Environmental Objectives?

Answer 14

1. Improvement Objectives
2. Maintenance Objectives
3. Research Objectives

Question 15

What do Environmental Performance Indicators do?

Answer 15

Monitor companies environmental performance

Question 16

Objectives should be what?

Answer 16

SMART:

Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Time-Bound

Question 17

What is used as international certification?

Answer 17

ISO 14001

Question 18

What is used as European certification?

Answer 18

Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS)

Question 19

What is used as UK certification?

Answer 19

United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS)

IEMA Acorn Inspection Scheme

Question 20

How long is the ISO transition period?

Answer 20

3 Years