Developing the Environmental Policy
The environmental policy serves as the foundation for the EMS. It describes your organization’s commitment to the environment and its environmental goals. The policy should also give some idea of the environmental aspects of your activities and operations. It also serves as a mechanism that helps employees understand what is expected of them in their daily activities.
Key Requirements
The environmental policy needs to include three key commitments:
- Compliance with relevant laws, regulations and other* requirements
- Pollution Prevention
- Continual Improvement (operational and/or environmental)
When developing the environmental policy the following needs to be addressed:
- The policy must be communicated to and easily understood by everyone in
the organization - Is documented
- Is signed by Senior Management
- Is made available to the public
- Is a controlled document
- Is it consistent, relevant, and appropriate with your organizational goals?
- Does it provide a framework for environmental objectives and targets?
Keys to Success
- You probably have one or there is appropriate language in one document or another. Build on it. Review and revise it for conformance with EMS requirements
- Make sure the policy is realistic and understandable and endorsed by senior management.
- Can you do what you say you will do?
- Get input from a range of people across the organization to develop the policy. This will increase buy-in.
- Frequently test awareness and understanding of the policy across your fenceline. Ask, “How does this policy affect how you do your job?”
Checklist
Have we
- developed a written policy?
- had the policy endorsed by top management?
- considered the key products, activities, and services your organization provides?
- addressed the three key commitments?
- effectively communicated the policy?