ENVIRONMENT MANUAL

What is an Environmental Manual?

EMS (Environmental Management System) manuals are documents (or online files) that outline your organisation’s goals for implementing the processes within the EMS.

These manuals may include the following:

• Policies
• Objectives
• Procedures (for monitoring, and communication)
• Lines of responsibility
• Scope of the organisation

Make sure that your EMS manual provides value to your organization when creating one.

Employees and stakeholders should be able to read your environmental policy manual and have a clear understanding of anything environmental that relates to the company. Therefore, you should avoid adding excessive information to your manual. The length of your manual should not limit the relevance and usefulness of the information.

CLICK HERE for a downloadable example of an environmental management system manual

An environmental manual highlights the different element of ISO 14001 and their benefits. It also outlines how the organisation aims to respond to these elements.

Developing an Environmental Management System

Below are 10 steps on how to develop an Environmental Management System,

1. First step is to define your organisational goals for the Environmental Management System (EMS). Why is an EMS needed?
2. Make sure the top management is committed (ensure they see the benefits).
3. Designate an EMS project manager (someone who superintends the project).
4. Assemble a team of implementation representatives (Management and other relevant departments).
5. Discuss the objectives of the meeting.
6. Analyse gaps in existing systems (review existing systems).
7. Plan and prepare a budget and schedule (key actions and responsibilities to be taken, timeframe).
8. Secure the resources needed to facilitate this project.
9. Employers should be involved in drafting procedures (input).
10. Monitoring and communicating progress (letting staff know what has been achieved).