ISO14001 Tips - Environmental Policy Examples

The Environmental Policy is, in my opinion, a set of noble statement. A reflection of certain intention or conscience with regards to a level of environmental commitment that an entity wishes to translate into good deeds. Ironically, some who are driven into it due to the market-niche for ISO14001 Certification are often left with more words than deed. Still, the policy serves as a reminder of their environmental endeavour and that it is relentless. A reminder that is usually self-triggered amidst re-certification or surveillance by their respective certification bodies. Clause 4.2 of the international standard globalized its requirement and criteria. Delightfully, I’d like to share for the benefit of all who are ‘committed’ in EMS with some selected policy statements sampled over decades of my ‘indulgence’ in the area. They are also found in my training handout notes titled ISO14001 Interpretation in Practice.

Sample statement that demonstrates Environmental law and regulations compliance;

·         “… is committed to complying with all applicable environmental laws and regulations and emphasizes the necessity of international harmonization of environmental regulations.” ·         “All line managers, in relation to activities directly under their control, are responsible for identifying and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations affecting our environment.” ·         “Meet or exceed all applicable government requirements. Where non-exist, set and adhere to stringent standards of our own and continually improve these standards in light of technological advances and new environmental data.” ·         “Operate in accordance with relevant laws, regulations and professional codes of practices or in group standards, whichever are higher.” ·         “Observe rules and regulations aimed at protecting the environment”

Sample statement that demonstrates Continuous improvement;

·       “Monitor and report on the group’s environmental performance in accordance with ISO14031 and corporate TQM as appropriate and the ISO14001 environmental management system.” ·       “Conduct rigorous audits and self-assessments of compliance with this policy, measure progress of environmental performance and report periodically to the board of directors.” ·       “Regard sound environmental management as an integral part of our total quality commitment and apply the principles and practices of continuous improvement accordingly.” ·       “Periodic assessments, audits and review of facilities and operation shall take place to ensure compliance with this policy. A statement of environmental impact that is tailored to specific requirement shall be prepared as part of planning of facilities and operations, and for modifying and abandoning them.”

Sample statement that demonstrates Commitment and involvement;

·       “…is committed in environmental care in all its operations. All parts of the organization will incorporate this in their activities.” ·       “Line management is responsible for environmental management. Each director shall address environmental matters regularly, identify items requiring actions and make sure they are being followed up.” ·       “Every employee and every contractor on … premises is expected to follow the company’s policy and to report any environmental, health or safety concerns. Managers are expected to take prompt action.” ·       “Foster environmental responsibilities among our employees and encourage their initiative and involvement.” ·       “Design our products and services and their associated manufacturing and distribution processes to be safe in their operation, minimize use of hazardous materials, make efficient use of energy and other resources and enable recycling and reuse.” ·       “Ensure the environmental policies, programmes and performance standards are an integral part of our planning and decision-making processes.”

Sample statement that demonstrates Information, communication and co-operation;

·       “Be open and responsive to the environmental expectations and concerns of our employees, customers, government agencies and the public by providing clear and candid information about the environmental impacts of our products, services and operations.” ·       “Develop greater understanding and awareness of the services and products performed and produced by the company/group through provisions of public information, implementation of ‘open-door’ policy at all operating sites and the establishment of, and participation in, local liaison committee.” ·       “Be an environmentally friendly neighbour in the communities where we operate, and act promptly and responsibly to correct incidents or conditions that endanger health, safety and the environment; report them to authorities promptly, and inform anyone who may be effected by them.” ·       “…provide channels for employees and contractors to be consulted on environmental matters.” ·       “…will co-operate with governments, regulatory bodies, academic institutions, industries and consumer organizations and will take the initiative, where necessary, to promote workable and improved codes of practice and effective laws and regulations.”

Sample statement that demonstrates Resources: materials, human, etc.;

·       “…will strive to conduct its industrial and commercial activities in such a way that the quality of environment now and the future is preserved, … supports the Business Charter for Sustainable Development of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), dated ….” ·       “…encourages the collection and qualified recycling of products at the end of their useful life by third parties. In this respect, … will provide the necessary information concerning its products.” ·       “Use of material and energy shall be reviewed regularly to reduce waste, optimize recycling and select materials compatible with environmental objectives.” ·       “Maintain respect for natural resources by practicing conservation and striving to recycle materials, purchase recycled materials, and use of recyclable packaging and other materials.” ·       “Ensure the responsible use of energy throughout our businesses, including conserving energy, improving energy efficiency, looking for safer energy resources and giving preference to renewable over non-renewable energy resources when feasible.”

Sample statement that demonstrates Research and development – best available technology;

·       “Design our products and services and their associated manufacturing and distribution processes to be safe in their operation, minimize use of hazardous materials, make efficient use of energy and other resources, and enabling recycling and reuse.” ·       Ensure that all new group facilities are constructed to the highest practical environmental standards by incorporating as appropriate, technological developments and relevant environmental research into group practice.” ·       “Develop, manufacture and market products that are safe for intended use, efficient in their use of energy, protective of their environment and that can be recycled and disposed-off safely.” ·       :…encourage the assessment of total environmental impact when introducing new processes, products and packaging.” ·       “Assists in the development of technological solutions to global environmental problems, share appropriate pollution prevention technology and methods, and participate in efforts to improve environmental protection and understanding throughout the country.” ·       We will expand our knowledge of processes and products through research and development, to ensure that our solutions are appropriate for the environment in the long term, giving increased benefits from our investments of time and resources.”

Ø  Sample statement that demonstrates Health and safety;

·       Provide an safe and healthful workplace, including avoiding or connecting hazards and ensuring that personnel are properly trained and have appropriate safety and emergency equipment.” ·       “Use development and manufacturing processes that do not adversely affect the environment, including developing and improving operations and technologies to minimize waste, prevent air, water and other pollution, minimize health and safety risks, and dispose-off waste safely and responsibly.” ·       “…shall co-operate actively with the government, local authorities and other external bodies, to provide an informed and constructive background to regulatory processes, promote workable procedures and codes of practices, and promote research to reduce environmental problems and work co-operatively during emergencies.” ·       “…investigate and report all environmental incidents and near misses and take necessary follow-up actions” ·       “…notifying management and supervisors of potential hazards and to maintain a healthy working environment for all our employees.”

Sample statement that demonstrates Policy compliance;

§  “Interpreting and ensuring implementation of this policy.” §  “Require all employees to adopt this policy’s principles throughout the group and its operations, particularly through quality assurance procedures and individual training programme.” §  “Ensure our supplier support our environmental management policy and encourages them to adapt similar principles.” §  Ensure that environmental policies, programs and performance standards are an integral part of our planning and decision making processes.” §  We will ensure that our management and workforce are fully aware of these principles and trained so as to be able to perform their task in an environmentally responsible way. Employee’s involvement in environmental work will be actively encouraged.” §  Any breaches shall be reported to regulatory bodies or internally as appropriate and action taken to bring operation within compliance.”

Sample statement that demonstrates Commercial and business;

§  “…will strive to inform the customers in such a way that he will be able to take respective environmental measures into consideration in his decision to buy, provided that an assessment on the total environmental impact of these products has been made.” §  “Taking into account of environmental issues in our commercial decision making.” §  “Recognize that excellence in environmental performance is consistent with our corporate objectives and essential to our continues business success.” §  “Care for the environment and the welfare of the future generations will be the basis of our company policy and decision making.” §  “We must set environmental goals and integrate them into business planning al all levels.” §  “…as part of our whole life cycle approach to our process and products, it follows that we will emphasize care for the environment in selecting our suppliers.” ·

Sample statement that demonstrates Initiatives;

§  “Contribute constructively to the shaping of public policy based on sound business and scientific principles.” §  “Use the group experience and expertise to play an appropriate role in the development of public policy.: §  “Quality standard shall be set covering relevant discharges and disposals including any that are not covered by statutory requirements.” §  “Working constructively with organizations concerned for the environment.”

Nonetheless, prior your stipulation of any environmental policy statement please ensure the following; Ø  Significant Environmental Aspects have been identified; (be discussing this in separate posts); Ø  Reflective of the nature and type of the organization’s activity; (I found an electronic firm’s policy that sounded like a Palm Oil Mill several years ago! LOL) Ø  Appropriate with existing resources i.e. not being too ambitious and beyond reach; Ø  Identified their corresponding local legal requirements and related international treaties; Ø  Preferably ‘KISS’ i.e. ‘keep it short and simple’. And, the rest of the guidance is being provided in the ISO14001 document which I’ve displayed as examples shown above.