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A
Simple Guide to Set Up an Environmental Management System
Define
An Environmental Policy (Module 4)
What
could be included in the Environmental Policy ?
In the
Environmental Policy, the organization should state its commitments
to regulatory compliance, prevention of pollution and continual
improvement of environmental management. Therefore, the policy
statements usually address a combination of the following
: -
| 1. |
Meet
all relevant regulatory and legislative requirements.
|
| 2. |
Reduce
waste and consumption of resources (materials, fuel and
energy), recover and recycle, where feasible. |
| 3. |
Minimize
the production of pollutants to the environment. |
| 4. |
Adopt
technologies and raw materials that will minimize pollution,
energy use and waste. |
| 5. |
Design
products in such a way to minimize their environmental
effects in production, use and disposal.
|
| 6. |
Minimize
the adverse environmental effects of new developments
through strategic planning. |
| 7. |
Provide
environmental education and training. |
| 8. |
Work
towards the achievement of sustainable development. |
Here
is an example :
ATTITUDE
: We will keep on improving the environment for the enjoyment
of our customers, staff and local residents.
GOAL :
We will comply with all relevant regulatory requirements.
PUBLICITY
: We will communicate our environmental objectives, efforts
and achievements to the public.
REDUCE
: We will minimize the resource utilization and waste production.
STAFF
: We will ensure our staff are aware of their environmental
responsibilities and provide them with proper training.
COUNTERPART
: We believe in "green" purchasing and expect high
environmental standards from suppliers and contractors who
work for us.
Keep
in mind :
The environmental
policy should be :-
- Simple
and intellegible.
- Consistent
with other organizational policies e.g. quality policy.
- Practical
and achievable.
- Communicated
to and supported by all staff.
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