Environmental Management Systems (EMS)
Level 5
Implementing and Reviewing the Policy
Unit 4
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.

Translating the Detail in the Policy into Real Results

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.

ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY #1

Livingston Systems Ltd. is committed to:-

  • Taking a proactive approach to environmental issues
  • Preventing pollution by implementing effective environmental emergency control procedures where required
  • Managing the selection and consumption of raw materials, including energy and fuels, to conserve natural resources and use less damaging materials.
  • Minimising the generation of waste
  • Complying with relevant environmental legislation and monitoring.
  • Training employees to comply with environmental requirements
  • Measuring, monitor and review so as to continually improve its environmental performance, based on clearly defined environmental objectives and targets
  • Openly and effectively communicate the environmental policy. The policy will be made available to all interested parties, including the public
  • Responding to the environmental concerns of our employees and the communities in which we operate
  • Developing and adopting product and manufacturing technologies compatible with these aims

Victoria Richards
Managing Director
14th July 1998

ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY #2

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:

  • develop and maintain a comprehensive environmental management system,
  • comply fully with relevant legislation, regulations and other requirements to which the company subscribes,
  • educate and motivate employees to behave in an environmentally responsible manner,
  • promote environmental responsibility with clients and suppliers alike,
  • endeavour to minimise the environmental effects of all processes and to ensure that materials are recycled wherever possible,
  • develop and maintain contingency plans where significant environmental hazards exist,
  • ensure that energy and water are used in a responsible and efficient manner,
  • regularly review environmental performance at Board level.

Peter Marley
Managing Director
26th November 1997

ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY #3

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:

  • Control and manage energy consumption to conserve natural resources
  • Minimise the generation of waste and use of packaging materials.
  • Prevent pollution and contamination of air, land and water.
  • Operate in compliance with European, national and local environmental regulations.
  • Respond to the environmental concerns of our employees and the communities in which we operate.
  • Train employees to comply with environmental requirements.
  • Promote environmental responsibility with suppliers.
  • Maintain a programme of continuous improvement of all activities directly affecting the environment by regular review or monitoring.
  • Operate an effective environmental management system to set and achieve company environmental targets and objectives.

Melvin Smith
Director.

1 April, 1999.