Environmental Policy
An environmental policy is much more than another piece of documentation, it is the starting point in the cycle of continual improvement of an EMS. The policy should be initiated and endorsed by senior managers and describe how the organisation intends to improve its environmental performance, prevent pollution and comply with relevant environmental legislation. The policy will provide a framework for setting and reviewing environmental objectives and targets at a later stage in the cycle. When completed, the policy should be made available to employees and the general public.
The benefits associated with writing an Environmental Policy include:
- assuring customers of commitment to demonstrable environmental management
- maintaining good public/community relations
- enhancing image and market share
- improving cost control
- reducing incidents that result in liability
- conserving raw materials and energy
- sharing environmental solutions
- improving industry/government relations.
Although an there are no legal requirements to produce an environmental policy, many councils and government organisations (as a part of their procurement policy) have begun to request that their suppliers present an environmental policy when tendering for contracts. Therefore possessing a policy can be straightforward way of gaining a competitive edge.
In addition if your organisation is seeking to obtain ISO14001 certification or EMAS registration you will be expected to have produced an appropriate policy.
How we can help you
Loreus consultants’ have vast experience of developing environmental policies for a range of clients from SMEs to large multinational corporations. Please feel free to contact us if you require assistance in developing your environmental policy.
The Loreus Review can be used to generate an environmental policy which can be configured reflect your specific business operations.
