What are objectives and targets?

Objectives can be defined as the area that will be improved - for example, to reduce waste production. New objectives should be devised as former ones are met.

Targets measure an objective and gives a figure such as "waste will be reduced by 30% within the next year."

The methodology for setting targets and the content is decided by the company itself. Targets are usually decided using the environmental policy and the significant effects. Target setting often occurs after the company has had an environmental review undertaken (either by themselves or another party); written an environmental policy and had it endorsed by the Managing Director; compiled a register of applicable environmental regulations; compiled a register of significant environmental effects; given environmental responsibilities to key members of personnel.

Targets must be realistically set in accordance with the appropriate timescales and resources. All objectives and targets should be quantifiable (as far as possible). This will mean that through having such measurables, the improvement programme can be monitored and success, measured.

Types of objective

• Monitoring
  
  
• Management
  
  
• Improvement
  
  

Development of Objectives

Developing an objective identification methodology

As with assessing environmental effects within a company, there is no formal methodology for identifying environmental objectives. Objectives do, however require prioritisation in order to implement a more systematic improvement programme. Account must be taken within the company of:

• Significance weighting/rating given in the register of significant environmental effects
  
  
• Compliance with legislation (which should be identified by the company's Register of Environmental Regulations)
  
  
• Standards within industry
  
  
• Overall objectives of the company
  
  
• The complexity of undertaking the steps to meet the objective and target
  
  
• Available funds, time, personnel and overall project feasibility
  
  

The company should also look at:

• Processes and equipment that cannot be modified
  
  
• Ignoring future technologies when setting objectives
  
  
• Improvements proposed in one area may have adverse environmental effects in another.

Collaboration

Upon a company deciding to set objectives and targets collaboration with personnel and other stakeholders (such as those given below) is also useful:

• Senior Management
  
  
• Employees
  
  
• Customers
  
  
• Suppliers
  
  
• Local Community groups
  
  
• Shareholders
  
  

The objectives and targets set should embrace a wider picture when part of an EMS and work within this and the organisation as a whole. The collaboration/consultation step mentioned above should be considered as part of the process, although the company also needs to rely upon:

1. The register of significant environmental effects
   
   
2. Organisational objectives
   
   
3. Operational control
   
   
4. Group objectives
   
   

How can employees be motivated to take objectives seriously?

You will see later when some improvement strategies are focused upon the means by which individuals can be motivated to take environmental objectives seriously and achieve targets set.