What is an Environmental Policy?
An environmental policy is an overarching statement that outlines an organization’s commitment to managing its operations’ environmental aspects and impacts.
Having an environmental policy is essential if you want to implement an ISO 14001 environmental management system (refer to ISO 14001 clause 5.2). It is also vital for any organization that wishes to demonstrate to their customers and other stakeholders that they are committed to managing environmental aspects and impacts responsibly.
An organization’s management has overall responsibility for defining, documenting, implementing and reviewing the environmental policy, in consultation with other stakeholders.
The Importance of an Environmental Policy
An environmental policy is integral to the operational activities of an organization, and to continually improve the business, products and services. It sets out the framework for an organization’s commitment to environmental success and provides a central structure for everyone to follow.
The continued environmental success of an organization is intrinsically linked to achieving and maintaining high standards of compliance with the environmental policy.
The policy demonstrates management’s commitment to implementing and maintaining environmental management procedures to provide the highest level of protection practicable against harm to the environment.
How to Write an Environmental Policy
The overall aim when developing an environmental policy is to ensure that all work conducted within the scope of business operations, complies with environmental objectives and applicable regulatory requirements.
At a minimum, these commitments and objectives should encompass:
- That the environmental policy is appropriate to the context of the organization including the nature, size and environmental impacts and aspects of operations.
- An overarching framework for setting environmental targets and objectives.
- The resources that are required to meet environmental processes, objectives and targets.
- A commitment to the protection of the environment, including the prevention of pollution and other specific requirements relevant to the organization.
- A responsibility to engage with interested parties and to promote continual improvements with environmental performance and compliance obligations.
- Environmental mitigation actions that are suitably planned, resourced and implemented.
- A review of mitigation actions to ensure that undesired environmental impacts are declining.
- Meeting or exceeding the requirements of relevant environmental legislation and industry standards.
- A regular review and the communication of environmental commitments to clients, authorities and other interested parties.
The Benefits of an Environmental Policy
Having an environmental policy forms the foundation for environmental improvements that can be made to a business. It sets out the key aims and principles of
Having an environmental policy can provide significant benefits to an organization, these benefits may include:
- Assisting the organization to comply with laws and regulations.
- Improving environmental sustainability with operations.
- Improving cost control with energy conservation.
- Minimizing waste, energy and water.
- Reducing or eliminating environmental incidents that may result in a liability claim.
- Conservation and reduction of raw materials and energy sources.
- Improving the efficiency of operational processes.
- Minimizes unwanted impacts on the environment and controls environmental issues.
- Improving information for employees about their environmental roles and responsibilities.
Implementing and following an environmental policy can also assist you to develop positive relationships with external stakeholders, such as suppliers, insurers, investors and regulators as well as the local community.
Ultimately, this can lead to an improved business image and be financially beneficial with increased investment, customer sales, and market share.
Why Choose to Buy this Environmental Policy Template?
- This 1-page environmental policy template is designed to the requirements of ISO 14001, Environmental Management Systems clause 5.2 – Environmental Policy.
- The overall objective of this environmental policy template is to ensure that environmental objectives are integrated into all operational activities, which are of fundamental importance to continually improve a business’s products and services.
After purchasing this template you will be able to:
- Very easily edit and customize the template to create your own environmental policy.
- Apply your own style, format and brand to the environmental policy.
- Use it in any industry or sector regardless of size or type of organization.
Availability and Use of this Environmental Policy
- This environmental policy template is accessible to you right now by clicking the ‘Buy Now’ button.
- The environmental policy will be delivered to you in fully editable Microsoft Word format for immediate and full use in your business.
- There are no subscriptions, contracts or ongoing costs.
This Environmental Policy is 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed.