The EMS should be viewed as a dynamic process. The concept of continual improvement is the essence of the EMS. By continually reviewing the EMS environmental performance against its environmental objectives, targets and policies, opportunities for further improvement can be identified. As the companies change and grow, so do the environmental complexities and conditions as they affect the company’s EMS.
The assessment team will present their appraisal findings and recommendations to top management, the environmental task group and the action team. Together, these groups review the results of the assessment and collect ideas and suggestions for a revised action plan, which ensures the continuing suitability, adequacy and effectiveness of the EMS implementation. In this way, the company creates a loop of continuous improvement.
Elements of the Continual Improvement Process
Identify opportunities for improving the environmental management system, which will lead to improved environmental performance
Determine the cause or causes of nonconformance or deficiencies
Develop and implement plans for corrective and preventive action to address causes as identified
Verify the effectiveness of the corrective and preventive actions
Document any changes in procedures from the process improvement
Make comparisons to objectives and targets
After reviewing the assessment findings and gathering staff proposals, the environmental task group should write a new action plan.
Considerations for Creating a New Action Plan
Were EMS objectives and targets achieved / partially achieved / not achieved at all?
Were roles and responsibilities clearly defined and understood?
Were resources applied appropriately?
Were the EMS procedures effective?
Has the EMS been monitored effectively and regularly?
What measures need to be taken to bring about improvements?
An environmental policy’s main purpose is to serve as the basis for EMS implementation. An environmental policy establishes the company’s commitment to the environment and provides a framework for environmental performance, while stating the company’s overall objectives. The company should keep its policy simple and clear, and ensure all employees are aware of it.
The company’s top management must endorse the environmental policy, since commitment and support from the highest level of determining the policy is essential for the program’s success. The environmental task group and employees can contribute to the process of determining the policy. Encourage everyone to share their suggestions. Environmental issues encompass quality, health and safety issues, and they should all be included in the environmental policy.
Considerations for Writing an Environmental Policy
The company’s mission and core values
Support for continual improvement
Pollution prevention
Compliance with relevant laws and regulations
Relevance to the organization’s activities, products and services
Reflection of objectives and targets
Points to Address in an Environmental Policy
Minimization of negative environmental impacts in production, use and disposal
Education and training of the workforce
Reduction of waste and consumption levels of resources (materials, fuel and energy)
Commitment to recovery and recycling
Encouragement of support of the EMS by suppliers and contractors