Environment Policy In ISO 14001:2004

Environment Policy In ISO 14001:2004
To develop a successful and effective EMS, five key tasks that must be undertaken by management:a. Select an EMS CoordinatorThe selection of an EMS Coordinator is crucial to the success of your EMS. This person will be responsible for developing and implementing the environmental policy and the EMS. Great care must be taken to ensure that the person chosen is well qualified to handle the responsibilities associated with the EMS.b. Perform a gap analysisA gap analysis determines the differences, or gaps, between one system and another. Not only will this analysis identify the gaps, but it also should etermine the size of the gaps. These findings will lead to recommendations, project plans, and the identification of necessary resources for filling the gaps.
c. Prepare a budget, and obtain the appropriate resourcesAfter conducting a gap analysis, the EMS Coordinator will develop a budget that covers the necessary resources to complete an EMS that conforms with ISO 14001. For some organizations, this may mean establishing a budget for the entire process; other organizations may only need to update certain portions of their existing management system.
ISO 14001 Section 4.4.1 requires top management to provide the essential resources to implement, control, and manage the EMS.
d. Select an EMS TeamTop management and the EMS Coordinator may consider creating an EMS Team to assist in developing and implementing the system. This decision should be based on the size of the organization or facility that will be implementing the EMS.
This team should consist of key individuals from various divisions, departments, and operating work areas within the organization who are familiar with the facility, the various processes, and its environmental requirements. Diversity among team members will bring together a pool of expertise and ideas from which to develop and implement the EMS.
e. Develop an environmental policyThe environmental policy is an essential part of an organization’s EMS. The environmental policy must establish the overall direction of the organization in terms of its commitment to environmental responsibility. A policy should also set the foundation and framework for meeting the environmental objectives and targets for the organization.
The ISO 14001 standard establishes certain requirements that an organization’s environmental policy must meet. If your organization already has an environmental policy, review this section to ensure it meets the ISO 14001 requirements.
The first requirement is that top management must establish and define the environmental policy. Note that ISO 14001 does not specifically state that top management must write the policy, only that it be committed to the policy and ensure its implementation.
These actions are essential in constructing a firm foundation for an effective EMS.