Introduction

At the heart of any sound EMS, especially one that is seeking certification to ISO14001 or verification to EMAS, lies the issue of developing a methodology for assessing the significance of the company's environmental effects. The preparatory environmental review should have established a baseline situation for a site and from which significance can be apportioned to the environmental effects identified and an environmental improvement programme set up to improve those that have been attributed most significance. Undertaking improvements will not only ensure compliance with the EMS, management objectives, legislation and other factors, but may also achieve savings through waste minimisation or energy reduction strategies.

Appendix 1 describes what is involved in an environmental review and gives examples of completed checklists for a fictitious company. Using this guide, you may attempt to undertake a review for your site (the blank forms/checklists are included within Appendix.).