Level 5 |
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Implementing an Environmental Policy |
Once a policy has been formulated, specific objectives and targets need to be established to meet with the requirements of the policy. An environmental improvement programme should be established to identify the actions the company must take, timescales, and responsibilities to meet the objectives and targets.
It is not possible for a company to implement the measures planned in the environmental improvement programme across the whole organisation simultaneously. Therefore, the Management Representative needs to prioritise policy implementation by initially concentrating on objectives relating to legal compliance. If the company does not have any legal compliance objectives, efforts should be concentrated on those objectives which will bring the most visible benefits, i.e. significant cost savings. Dramatic results such as significant cost savings will increase interest in the EMS throughout the organisation and give a positive boost the implementation programme. Other objectives can be tackled when resources permit.
Assuming that the organisations activities, products, and services have been properly assessed in the first place, it is unlikely that the environmental policy will require a major overhaul. However, the policy should be reviewed periodically to ensure that environmental issues arising from the new developments within the company are incorporated in the environmental policy.
The detail in Exhall Platings policy has translated into real results for the company. The company used large quantities of water and energy. After monitoring the consumption of utilities at the site, the company was able to identify areas of wastage and implement cost saving measures. Flow control valves were fitted to the pipes delivering cold water to the plating processes. Readings from water meters at the site showed that water consumption was reduced by 37,000 cubic metres in a year, an overall reduction of 21% from the previous year. This saved the company £23,000. To reduce energy consumption, the company switched to cold cleaning of components where possible and improved work flow through the plating lines. Electricity consumption was reduced by 11% and gas consumption by 15%, saving £15,000. |
Tasks: Compare the following policies with the requirements of ISO 14001. Which policies comply, and which don't. For thpse that don't, rewrite the policies so that they do comply. |
Livingston Systems Ltd. is committed to:-
Managing Director 14th July 1998 |
Marley Plating Limited is committed to minimising the impact of its operations on the environment by means of a programme of continuous improvement. It is the policy of Marley Plating. to:
Peter Marley |
Sharp Ltd. recognises and believes in the importance of safeguarding natural resources and the environment. We are committed to continually improving our environmental performance, and in accordance with BS EN ISO 14001 and we will:
Melvin Smith |