Environmental management is systematised
More and more companies choose to implement environmental management. Some do so to improve their image and create a more desirable workplace, while others mostly just want a better overview of their resource use and discharges or emissions.
Environmental management is about organising environmental work systematically. Environmental management is a continuous process which includes that the company:
Maps out its environmental conditions
Establishes an environmental policy
Establishes a level of ambition with regards to environmental goals
Produces plans of action with a timeframe for when these goals should be reached
Evaluates the environmental management and adjusts the goals set and plans of action, if necessary
Various methods
The company can choose to develop its own environmental management system - also known as 'the smallholder design'. In this way the company can tailor its own system. As a minimum the company needs to make continuous improvements in its environmental conditions.
If the company wants to be certified for environmental management, it is possible to be registered under the European Environmental Management Agreement EMAS (Eco-Management and Audit scheme) or certified according to the international standard ISO 14001.
Both environmental management systems require that the company commits itself to continuously improving its efforts for the environment beyond the requirements in environmental legislation.