MODULE 4

Environmental Management Plan (EMP): Goal and purpose- Importance of EMP-

Content of an EMP- Role of environmental monitoring program - Environment Audit:
need for audit- audit types and benefits- environmental audit procedure ISO 14001
standards: Importance, salient features - Stages in implementation- Benefits

3.1. INTRODUCTION

Every industrial development is associated with the positive and negative impacts on
environmental components. Though the probable negative impacts cannot be nullified
completely the much-required developmental activities cannot be delayed.
Environmental Impact Assessment helps in identifying potential environmental impacts
of a proposed project activity. Based on the finding of the impact assessment,
Environment Management Plan is devised to minimize the adverse impacts and
enumerate various steps to be taken for improvement of the environment. Environment
Management Plan (EMP) is the tool to ensure a safe and clean environment. The
Environment Management Plan helps in proper implementation of mitigation measures
to reduce the adverse impacts arising out of the project activities.

3.2. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (EMP)

An Environmental Management Plan (EMP) is a detailed plan and schedule of

measures necessary to minimize, and mitigate, etc. any potential environmental impacts
identified by the EIA (World Bank 1999). Once the EIA identifies the significant
impacts, it is necessary to prepare an Environmental Management Plan.

An EMP should consist of a set of mitigation, monitoring and institutional measures to

be taken during the implementation and operation of the proposed project to eliminate
adverse environmental impacts, offset them or reduce them to acceptable levels. The
EMP should also include the actions needed to implement these measures, including
the following features:

• Mitigation based on the environmental impacts reported in the EIA, the EMP should
describe with technical details each mitigation measure.
 • The EMP should then include monitoring objectives that specifies the type of
monitoring activities that will be linked to the mitigation measures. Specifically, the
monitoring section of the EMP provides:
1. The document provides a detailed description of monitoring measures,
including parameters, methods, sampling locations, frequency,
detection limits, and thresholds for indicating the need for corrective
actions.
2. The process involves monitoring and reporting procedures to detect
conditions requiring mitigation measures and provide updates on the
progress and results of mitigation.
• The EMP should outline institutional arrangements for mitigating and
monitoring measures, including operation, supervision, enforcement,
implementation monitoring, remedial action, financing, reporting, and staff
training.
• Additionally, the EMP should include an estimate of the costs of the measures
and activities recommended.
• It should consider compensatory measures if mitigation measures are not
feasible or cost effective.
• EMP must be operative throughout the whole Project Cycle.
3.2.1. GOALS OF EMP
1. To create good working conditions (devoid of air and noise pollution) for the employees
2. To rationalize and streamline environmental activities to add value in efficiency and
effectiveness
3. To encourage and achieve highest performance and response from individual
employees and contractors
4. To plan out the complete strategy to take care of stakeholder engagement
5. Perspective budgeting and allocation of funds for environment management
expenditure
6. To encourage support and conduct developmental works for the purpose of achieving
environment standards and to improve methods of environment management
7. Continuous development and search for innovative technologies for a cleaner and better
environment
8. To contribute significantly for sustainable development.
9. To prepare a schedule for monitoring.
10. To comply with all the regulations / applicable laws stipulated by Central & State
Pollution Control Boards.
3.2.2. PURPOSE OF EMP

• Encourage good management practises through project planning and

commitment to environmental issues.
• It describes how environmental management is reported and performance is
evaluated on a regular basis.
• To provide rational and practical environmental guidelines to aid in the
reduction of activities' potential environmental impact.
• Aids in reducing environmental disturbance (physical, biological, ecological,
socioeconomic, cultural, and archaeological).
• Combat pollution by monitoring air, noise, land, water, waste, energy, and
natural resources.
• Flora and fauna that are sensitive or endangered must be protected. To stop land
degradation.
• Comply with and adhere to all applicable environmental laws, regulations,
standards, and guidelines.
• Adopt best practices in waste management for all types of waste (liquid and
solid), with a focus on waste prevention, minimization, recycling, treatment, and
disposal.
• Describe all monitoring procedures required to identify environmental impacts.
• Employees and contractors should be trained and made aware of their
environmental obligations and compliance.
• Reduce environmental risk and improve health, safety, and the environment
(HS&E).
• Increase efficiency by reducing consumption and conserving energy-depletable
resources.
• An EMP also includes a plan that addresses the following questions: what,
where, when, how, and who.
• Creating the reporting system that will be used during construction.
• The EMP also serves to highlight specific requirements that will be monitored
during development, and if environmental impacts are not satisfactorily prevented or
mitigated, corrective action will be required.

3.2.3. IMPORTANCE OF EMP

• An instrument for implementing environmental management commitments,

conditions, and requirements of the project.

• Promotes self-regulation & integration of environmental issues in planning and

operations.

• Addresses relevant environmental management issues.

• Can be drafted in a consultative manner.

• Incorporates regulatory requirements.

• Facilitates environmentally sustainable development and decision-making process. It

is:

– Able to form the basis for consultation and negotiation of outcomes; – Flexible;

– Comprehensive;

– Updatable; and

– A tool for promoting accountability

3.2.4. ELEMENTS OF EMP

• Description of mitigation measures. How they will be implemented.

• Description of “residual” environmental concerns (after mitigation). How they

will be managed.

• Program for monitoring environmental concerns and indicators.

• Identification of who will be responsible and who will be accountable for

implementing the EMP.
 • Developing a monitoring plan including items to be monitored, when, frequency,
and by whom.

• Preparing cost estimate for implementation of EMP;

• Identifying the sources of funds, as well as potential training needs, if any.

3.2.5. CONTENTS OF EMP - important

An Environmental Management Plan (EMP) is a comprehensive document that outlines

how a project or organization will manage and mitigate its environmental impact. The
specific contents of an EMP can vary depending on the nature and scale of the project,
as well as local regulatory requirements. However, here are some common elements
that are typically included in an Environmental Management Plan:

1. Introduction:

• Overview of the project.

• Purpose and objectives of the EMP. Scope and applicability.

2. Legal and Regulatory Context:

• Applicable environmental laws and regulations.

• Permits and approvals required.

3. Project Description:

• Detailed description of the project, including its location, size, and purpose.
• Identification of potential environmental impacts.

4. Environmental Policy:

• The organization's commitment to environmental stewardship. Key principles

and values guiding environmental management.

5. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA):

• Findings of the environmental impact assessment, if conducted.

• Identification of significant environmental aspects and potential impacts.
6. Mitigation Measures:

• Specific actions and strategies to minimize or eliminate environmental impacts.

• Timelines and responsibilities for implementing mitigation measures.

7. Monitoring and Reporting:

• Environmental monitoring plan detailing what, where, when, and how

monitoring will occur.
• Reporting mechanisms and frequency for environmental performance.

8. Emergency Response and Contingency Plans:

• Procedures for responding to environmental emergencies.

• Contingency plans for unexpected events that may cause environmental harm.

9. Waste Management:

• Strategies for the proper handling, disposal, and recycling of waste generated
by the project.
• Measures to reduce waste generation.

10. Biodiversity Conservation:

• Measures to protect and preserve local flora and fauna.

• Habitat restoration and conservation plans.

11. Community Engagement and Stakeholder Involvement:

• Strategies for involving and informing the local community and other
stakeholders.
• Mechanisms for addressing community concerns and feedback.

12. Training and Capacity Building:

• Training programs for project personnel on environmental management

practices.
• Capacity-building initiatives for local communities.
13. Audit and Review:

• Procedures for regular audits and reviews of environmental performance.

• Mechanisms for continuous improvement.

14. Documentation and Record Keeping:

• Record-keeping procedures for all environmental monitoring data and other

relevant information.

15. Budget and Resources:

• Allocation of financial and human resources for implementing the EMP.

3.3. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING
Environmental monitoring is the systematic measurement of key environmental
indicators over time within a particular geographic area (World Bank, 1999).
Monitoring should focus on the most significant impacts identified in the EIA. Various
types of monitoring activity are currently in practice. The main types are briefly
described below:
3.3.1. Baseline Monitoring: A survey should be conducted on basic environmental
parameters in the area surrounding the proposed project before construction begins.
Subsequent monitoring can assess the changes in those parameters over time against
the baseline.
3.3.2. Impact Monitoring: The biophysical and socio-economical (including public
health) parameters within the project area, must be measured during the project
construction and operational phases to detect environmental changes, which may have
occurred as a result of project implementation e.g., air emission, dust, noise, water
pollution etc (European Commission, 1999.
3.3.3. Compliance Monitoring: This form of monitoring employs a periodic sampling
method, or continuous recording of specific environmental quality indicators or
pollution levels to ensure project compliance with recommended environmental
protection standards.
Monitoring should be regular and performed over a long period of duration.
Interruptions in monitoring may result in generating insufficient data to draw accurate
conclusion concerning project impact.
The main aim of EIA monitoring is to provide the information required to ensure that
project implementation has the least possible negative environmental impacts on the
people and environment.
What to avoid in monitoring:
• Overestimation of data needed as this can lead to drowning in data without
information.
• Under-estimation of time and cost for data analysis.
• Weak coordination between the data collection with project time table and
seasonal factors.
• Ignoring requirements for baselines.
3.4. ROLE OF ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING PROGRAM -
important
An environmental monitoring program plays a crucial role in assessing,
managing, and improving an organization's environmental performance. It
involves the systematic collection, analysis, and interpretation of data related to
various environmental aspects, allowing organizations to track their impact on
the environment and comply with regulations. Here are key roles and benefits
associated with an environmental monitoring program:
1. Compliance with regulations
a. Ensures adherence to local, regional and national environmental
laws and regulations.
b. Provides evidence of compliance through regular monitoring and
reporting.
2. Identification of environmental aspects and impacts:
a. Helps identify and assess the environmental aspects and impacts of
an organisation’s activities.
b. Allows for the prioritization of significant environmental aspects
that need attention.
3. Risk assessment
a. Facilitates the identification and assessment of potential
environmental risks and hazards.
 b. Enables proactive measures to mitigate and manage environmental
risks.
4. Performance measurement:
a. Enables the measurement of key environmental performance
indicators (EPIs) to track progress over time.
b. Helps set targets and benchmarks for improvement.
5. Data- driven decision making:
a. Provides accurate and reliable data for informed decision- making
related to environmental management.
b. Helps organisations identify trends, patterns and area for
improvement.
6. Emergency preparedness:
a. Supports the development of effective emergency response plans by
providing baseline environmental data.
b. Ensures organisations are prepared to respond to environmental
incidents.
7. Resource conservation
a. Aids in the efficient use of resources by identifying areas where
resource consumption can be reduced.
b. Contributes to sustainable resource management practices.
8. Pollution prevention:
a. Helps in identifying sources of pollution and developing strategies
to prevent or minimise environmental impacts.
b. Suppports the implementation of pollution prevention measures.
9. Community engagement
a. Demonstrates transparency and accountability to stakeholders,
including local communities.
b. Enhances relationships with communities by providing information
about environmental impacts.
10. Environmental Reporting
a. Facilitates the preparation of environmental; reports for internal and
external stakeholders.
b. Supports organisations in meeting reporting requirements and
demonstrating corporate responsibilities.
 11. Continuous Improvement
a. Identifies areas for improvement in environmental management
practices.
b. Allows organisations to adjust strategies and actions based on
monitoring data and feedback.
12. Audit and certification support
a. Provides the necessary data and evidence for internal and external
environmental audits.
b. Supports the achievement and maintenance of environmental
certifications (e.g., ISO 14001)
13. Legal defense
a. Serves as a record of environmental performance that can be used in
legal defense if needed.
b. Demonstrates due diligence in environmental management.
14. Stakeholder confidence:
a. Builds trust and confidence among stakeholders by showcasing a
commitment to environmental responsibility.
b. Enhances an organisaion.s reputation for environmental
stewardship.
15. Adaptation to changing conditions:
a. Allows organisations to adapt their environmental management
strategies in response to changes in operations, regu;ations or
external conditions.
b. Provides a basis for future planning and decision making.

An effective environmental monitoring program is an integral component of an

organisation’s environmental management system, contributing to sustainable
practices, regulatory compliance and continual improvement in environmental
performance.

3.4. ENVIRONMENT AUDIT

Development of Environmental Auditing

Audit is associated with the financial sphere of in.

vestigation and reportability. Environmental audits commenced in the 1970s in United
States. As a part of subsequent passing of the United States (US) National
Environmental Protection Agency Act (NEPA) of 1969.These original audits consisted
of environmental performance reviews or compliance audits and aimed at reducing the
risks to investors to legal liability due to the company’s actions.

In India, the environment audit programmes were initiated in early nineties. The Central
Pollution Control Board initiated a study in 18 major polluting industries in 1991-92.
At the same time a paper on “Outline of Environmental Audits was prepared by MOEF
and circulated for comments. This process resulted into issuing a gazette notification
on March 13, 1992 through which submission of the Environmental Audit Report has
been made mandatory. The term Audit Report was later changed to “Statement” through
a revised notification of April 22, 1993. The industries are now supposed to submit their
Auditing Statements to the concerned Boards on or before Sept. 30 every year from
1993 onwards.

Environmental Impact Assessment vs Environmental Auditing

EIA is a tool for predicting environmental impact(s) whereas an environmental audit

is a multidisciplinary process of assessing the environmental performance of a company
(including process, storage, environmental management, and operating procedures) to
identify environmental impacts and liabilities. EIA is a predictive exercise assessing
the potential environmental impacts of an action while environmental auditing is the
activity through which the verification of the environmental implications of the activity
are determined.

“Environmental audit shall mean a management tool comprising a systematic,

documented periodic and objective evaluation of the performance of the organisation,
management system and processes designed to protect the environment with the aim
of;

(i) facilitating management control of practices which may have an impact on

the environment;
(ii) assessing compliance with the environmental policy. Including
environmental objectives and targets of the organisation.
Aim of Environmental Audit

1. Safeguard the environment by facilitating management control

2. Assessing compliance with company policies.

3. Promoting good environmental management.

Need for an Environmental Audit

1. An audit is an excellent way of identifying environmental risks and liabilities.

2. It also provides an independent, objective opinion that can be relied on by

stakeholders.

3. It has a critical role to play in ensuring that organizations fulfill their policy
commitments to environmental management and performance.

4. Effective audits can lead to greater transparency, enhanced stakeholder

relationships, and stronger brand value.

3.5.TYPES OF ENVIRONMENTAL AUDITS - important

Environmental Audits are divided into many types. The three main types of
Environmental Audits are:

1. Environmental Compliance Audit

2. Environmental Management Audits

3. Functional Environmental Audits

1. Environmental Compliance Audit

Environmental compliance audits are typically the most comprehensive as they are
intended to review the site or company’s legal compliance status. Evaluates a
company’s environmental performance and environmental responsibility practices,
whether the company has compiled with legal requirements and other requirements
such as ISO 14001. Most comprehensive and perhaps the most expensive.
In another words,

An environmental compliance audit is a systematic and thorough examination of an

organization's activities, operations, and facilities to assess whether they comply with
environmental laws, regulations, and standards. The goal of such an audit is to identify
any areas of non-compliance and to recommend corrective actions to ensure that the
organization operates in an environmentally responsible manner.

2. Environmental Management Audits

An audit conducted by an organization and/or management to understand how it is

meeting its own environmental performance expectations. Verifies whether the
company has met the environmental objectives, policies, and performance set by the
management.

Environmental Management Audits (EMAs) are systematic assessments of an

organization's environmental management system (EMS) to ensure that it is effectively
implemented and in compliance with relevant environmental policies, regulations, and
standards. The purpose of an environmental management audit is to evaluate the
organization's environmental performance, identify opportunities for improvement, and
promote sustainable practices.

3. Functional Environmental Audits

A functional environmental audit measures the effects of a particular issue or activity.
It investigates specific areas of concern such as air quality monitoring, materials
management, or wastewater management. The functional environmental audit is less
common and may be included in an environmental compliance audit or an
environmental management audit.
Functional Environmental Audits are specialized audits that focus on assessing the
environmental management practices and performance within a specific function or
department of an organization. Unlike comprehensive environmental management
audits that cover the entire organization, functional audits are narrower in scope,
targeting specific areas or processes. The goal is to evaluate and improve the
environmental performance of a particular function or department.
ENVIRONMENTAL AUDIT PROCEDURE - important
Planning the audit, including activities to be conducted and responsibilities for each
activity Review the company’s environmental protection policy and the applicable
requirements, federal, state, and local requirements. Assessment of the organization, it’s
management, and equipment Gather data and relevant information Evaluate overall
performance Identify areas needing improvement Report findings to management.

There are three main Environmental Audit Stages or Phases:

1. Pre-Audit
2. Audit
3. Post-Audit
PHASE 1: THE PRE-AUDIT
During the pre-audit phase, companies can build the team, create an auditing
plan, determine the documents they need, make the appropriate requests, and do
as much preparations as necessary. This involves creating a list of things that
regulatory bodies may ask for, figuring out the material needed, and ensuring
that the company is prepared for an audit.
PHASE 2: THE AUDIT
From there, the team can proceed with the audit. When conducting an audit, it’s
crucial for the team to follow the ground rules put in place during the first phase.
During the audit, teams may conduct site inspections and interviews, evaluate
teams and perform document reviews. This is to ensure they gather as much
relevant data as possible. It is important to have daily meetings when conducting
 an audit to ensure that everyone is on the same page. This also makes it easier
to check whether all the goals were met during the closing meeting after
conducting the audit.
• Set the ground rules
• Determine what happens and which issues are identified
• Conduct daily meetings to keep every informed
• Perform a document review:
Policies
Compliance
Training
Air/Water/Waste/Noise controls, monitoring and records
Emergency Response Procedures
Response to Complaints
Check documents for completeness, consistency, legal
compliance, and whether it is up to date
• Conduct a Site Inspection
• Evaluate Operations for Compliance
• Take samples if needed
• Interview EHS personnel, operations, management, maintenance, to see
if policies are understood and consistently handled.
• Discover issues of concern
• Conduct a Closing Meeting listing and discussing of all issues, develop
corrective actions for each issue.
PHASE 3: POST-AUDIT
During the post-audit phase, the team gets to interpret all the data. This
also involves creating the environmental audit reports, identifying areas
of improvement, and creating an action plan to meet the shortcomings
found during the audit.

3.6. BENEFITS OF ENVIRONMENTAL AUDITING - important

There are numerous benefits to environmental auditing.

• The primary benefits are the attainment of the specified objective(s) of the audit
conducted (e.g., life-cycle information, liability delineation).
• However, there are several secondary benefits that the company may enjoy
including;
• Compliance with Environmental Legislation
• Improved Management Awareness of Environmental Issues
• Cost Minimisation though Improved Environmental Performance
• Competitive Advantage
• Compliance with Company Policy
• Reduced Insurance Premiums
• Comparative Analysis and Benchmarking
• Stakeholder Confidence in Company Environmental Performance
• Provision of Data for Regulatory Authorities and Regional or
National State of the Environment Reports
• Review of Environmental Progress
• Attracting Future Employees

1. Compliance with Environmental Legislation

Environmental auditing helps management determine compliance with environmental
legislation, reducing the likelihood of companies not being aware of certain legislative
measures.
2. Improved Management Awareness of Environmental Issues

In conducting an environmental audit, management awareness can be increased

regarding the possible negative environmental implications of certain ‘standard
operating procedures’ as well as potential liabilities arising there from.

3. Cost Minimisation though Improved Environmental Performance

Environmental audits can identify cost recovery and saving opportunities through
minimisation of wastes, recycling, energy saving, reduction in use of raw materials, sale
of by-products, etc. (European Commission, 2000).
4. Competitive Advantage
Implementing improved in-house manufacturing practices through an environmental
audit can provide a competitive advantage through cost savings, waste reduction, and
intangible benefits like green marketing.
5. Compliance with Company Policy
Environmental auditing can verify compliance of daughter companies' management
and activities with parent company's environmental policies, as many multinationals
may have drafted these policies without daughter company personnel.
6. Reduced Insurance Premiums
Environmental audits can reduce insurance premiums for companies identifying and
correcting environmental liabilities. However, risk assessment is required for
environmental impairment cover due to historical liabilities from environmental
catastrophes.
7. Comparative Analysis and Benchmarking
Internal and external environmental auditing offer valuable insights into facility
performance and compliance, while external audits provide valuable information on
best environmental practices.
8. Stakeholder Confidence in Company Environmental Performance
Environmental audits help companies identify strengths and weaknesses in
environmental management, increase public awareness, and encourage public
involvement, impacting stakeholders like management, employees, shareholders, and
environmental pressure groups.
9. Provision of Data for Regulatory Authorities and Regional or National
State of the Environment Reports
A company can foster better communications and relations with regulatory authorities
by the provision of information on the company’s environmental performance. This
information may then assist in the generation of official environmental reports.
10. Review of Environmental Progress

Frequent repetition of environmental audits can provide company management with an

ever-developing picture of the progress of the company’s environmental performance.
This will also aid in assessing the strengths of the environmental controls in a company
over extended periods of time.

11. Attracting Future Employees

Maintaining a good environmental record can be considered as a tool to enhance
recruitment success for high calibre personnel.

3.7. ISO 14001

• An internationally agreed standard.
• It sets out the requirements for an environmental management system.
• It helps organizations improve their environmental performance.

Through more efficient use of resources

By reduction of waste

By gaining a competitive advantage

the trust of stakeholders.

• Suitable for organizations of all types and sizes.

• The organization must address all the environmental issues related to its
operation. (like air pollution, water and sewage issues, waste management,
soil contamination, climate change mitigation and adaptation, resource use
& efficiency.)

NEED FOR 14001 STANDARDS

• ISO 14001 helps to map out your organization' s wide, strategic objectives.

• And align them with goals and outcomes that are environmentally
sustainable.

• It helps to inspire the customers and external stakeholders with your

organization's proactive approach to environmental concerns.

In essence, ISO maps out the organization’s current impact in the

environment, identifying areas of improvement and potential risks along
the way.

IMPORTANCE OF ISO 14001

 1. Ensuring Management Commitment

2. Strengthen Stakeholder Relationships

3. Improve Business Development

4. Identify Risk and Opportunities

5. Safeguards Process Improvement

1. Ensuring Management Commitment

ISO 14001 requires top management to commit and lead the implementation and
maintenance of best environmental practices. Engaging the leadership team will
increase employee engagement. When everyone in the organization is working towards
the same goal, the probabilities of achieving it increase.

2. Strengthen Stakeholder Relationships

An ISO 14001 certification can improve an organization´s reputation and improve

stakeholder relationships. If a stakeholder requires ISO 14001 certification, it is obvious
the relationship will improve upon certification.

3. Improve Business Development

If an organization is seeking for new clients, it is possible that an organization might
encounter a client that requires its suppliers to be ISO 14001 certified. Thus, having
certification can give organizations a competitive advantage.

4. Identify Risk and Opportunities

Every organization is different, ISO 14001 allows organizations to identify the

environmental issues that apply to them. It guides organizations in the management,
monitoring and control of these issues. And helps in the identification of risks and
opportunities that could either enhance or prevent the achievement of their
environmental goals.

5. Safeguards Process Improvement

The certification audit process can also be beneficial to an organization. A certification
body audit ensures that the management system has been implemented and maintained
correctly. It also identifies opportunities for improvement and potential risks that the
organization might have missed.

SALIENT FEATURES OF ISO 14001 - important

• Environmental policy

• Planning

• Implementation and Operation

• Checking and Corrective Action

• Management review

• Environment Policy. An Environmental Management System (EMS) is

essential for addressing environmental issues, demonstrating commitment to
continuous improvement, pollution prevention, and compliance with laws. Top
management defines policy, sets goals, communicates, and implements
guidelines, while ISO14001 mandates local governments to implement their
own EMS.

• Planning: An Environmental Management System (EMS) is a crucial part of an

organization's strategy, addressing environmental aspects, adhering to laws, and
achieving objectives. ISO14001 mandates proper planning, prioritizing aspects
like energy, material, and hazardous waste. Procedures shall be established and
maintained for activities, products and services which can have significant
impacts on the environment.

• Implementation and operation: Resource with clear definition of roles,

responsibilities and authority shall be provided, documented, and
communicated, including management representatives for reporting on the
performance to top management. The success of an Environmental
Management System (EMS) depends on its implementation, which involves
defining roles, responsibilities, and resources, educating staff, maintaining
 communication, monitoring documentation, operational control, and
emergency preparedness. Regular reviews and testing of these procedures are
essential for effective implementation.

• Checking and corrective action: Key characteristics of the operation which

have significant impact on the environment shall be monitored and measured
on a regular basis. ISO14001 standards emphasize the importance of EMS as a
living system, requiring regular monitoring, measurement, correction,
prevention action, proper records, and audits to ensure compliance with
ISO14001 requirements.

• Management Review: The environmental management system shall be

reviewed at planned intervals to ensure its continuing suitability, adequacy, and
effectiveness. ISO14001 mandates a Management Review of an Environmental
Management System by top management to assess effectiveness, address
systemic problems, ensure compliance, and meet environmental targets.

STAGES OF IMPLEMENTATION OF ISO14001 - important

• Obtain management support

• Identify legal requirements

• Define EMS procedures and processes

• Define EMS scope

• Implement EMS procedures and processes

• Perform training and awareness

• Choose a certification body

• Obtain management support

Management support is critical. Without this support your implementation of ISO

14001 will almost certainly fail. You need to have a good sales pitch to convince
your management that ISO 14001 is a good idea, and if you need some help take a
 look at this ISO 14001:2015 benefits of early transition white paper and this Project
proposal for ISO 14001:2015 implementation presentation.

• Identify legal requirements

The organization may find environmental regulations on the website of government

agencies in charge of environmental protection or on other specialized services. In a
wide list of regulations you should choose only those that that are applicable to your
business.

• Define EMS procedures and processes

This helps to prevent the inclusion of areas of your business that might not influence
the environment. The key tools to define the scope are the environmental policy and
environmental aspects.

• Define EMS scope

This is the processes and procedures you will identify as necessary. To ensure consistent
and adequate results when preventing negative environmental impacts and to respond
to emergency situations.

• Implement EMS procedures and processes

Since, not all processes need to be documented procedures, it is important to decide

which ones must be documented in order to prevent environmental damage

• Perform training and awareness

Employees should have training on what ISO 14001 is and why you are doing this, in
addition to training for any changes to the processes they are involved in.

• Choose a certification body

The certification body is the company that will ultimately come in to audit your EMS
processes, as well as whether the system is effective and improving.

BENEFITS OF ISO 14001

1. Improve Tender Chances
2. Competitive Advantage
3. Ensure Legal Compliance
4. Reduce Insurance Premiums
5. Improve Environmental Performance
6. Reduce Operational Waste
7. Increase Profitability
8. Increase Efficiency
9. Improve Employee Morale

1. Improve Tender Chances

It increases chances of winning public and private sector tenders. It has become
more and more important over the last 10 years for companies to show that they are
thinking but also following the green trend.

2. Competitive Advantage
The ISO 14001 certification can help the company to set apart it from competitors,
or help the company to keep up if they are already certified. This also holds true if
the organisation is bidding for tender.
3. Ensure Legal Compliance
It helps your organisation meet legal and regulatory requirements. It does depend
on which sector you work within but having the 14001 in place will eliminate any
potential problems for the company. Getting ISO 14001 certified ensures that the
companies that are keeping up to date with legal regulation. Fines and bad press can
devastate companies that do not comply with regulations, so this ensures that you
keep ahead of the game.

4. Reduce Insurance Premiums

It can lower insurance premiums. It has been shown time and again that lowering
risks makes the organisation safer, which in turn reduces premiums.

5. Improve Environmental Performance

 It reduces the consumption of raw materials. We all have an impact on Mother
Earth, however if we can highlight and reduce the impact it can only be good for
everyone.

6. Reduce Operational Waste

It reduces waste and repetition. As you will be looking at your operations, we will
be able to identify where you are using too much raw material and where savings
could be found.

7. Increase Profitability
It increases profit margins. If you reduce your waste, it’s not only good for the planet
but good for the balance sheet.

8. Increase Efficiency
It streamlines operations. Once the operation is streamlined then naturally things
work more efficiently.

9. Improve Employee Morale

It can increase employee motivation and participation. Staff will be able to see their
development into an important cog in the business wheel.