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UNIT 4: ENVIRONMENT MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS
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EMS STAGE 2:
ESTABLISH ENVIRONMENT POLICY AND SET
ENVIRONMENT OBJECTIVES AND TARGETS
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Compile the Environment Status Report
To fully analyse and appreciate the data gathered through the environment status
review, it should be compiled into an environment status report. This report should
include:
• Volume of costs of water and energy used;
• Volumes and charges of waste disposal;
• Inventory of all materials purchased;
• Levels of compliance;
• Environment improvement activities already in place;
• Management and operation procedures that could facilitate/obstruct
EMS implementation;
• Local initiatives that could facilitate EMS implementation – for
example voluntary industry partnerships on the environment, ecolabelling
schemes, loans or grants for environment improvement,
environment help-lines, EMS literature produced by the national
environment agency or local authorities, etc;
• Employee interest in the impending EMS;
• Potential visitor response to the impending EMS;
• Time spent on the review;
• Sources of information, including interviews and observations;
• Recommendations on EMS objectives and targets.
Verify Compliance with Current and Imminent
Environment Legislation
A full review of relevant environment legislation needs to be undertaken at the
same time as the environment status review. The environment status report will
identify areas where legislation is being violated. It also helps to be aware of
impending legislation, since the EMS can then be planned to meet and exceed the
new requirements.
A full review of
relevant
environment
legislation needs
to be undertaken
at the same time
as the
environment
status review.
Set EMS Objectives and Targets
The environment status report should provide the information needed for
establishing EMS objectives and targets. The objectives should specify environment
goals, and the targets should indicate the level of improvement to be attained. For
example:
Objective: Reduce carbon dioxide output
Target: Reduce carbon dioxide output by 12% of 1998 levels by 2001
Activities that are highly resource-intensive, generate large quantities of waste
and emissions, violate legislation, are poor environment practice, and pose health
hazards to employees and guests, should be given priority.