Drafting an Environment Agency policy
An environmental policy is a written statement created by a business. The statement sets out the businesses aims and objectives in relation to its environmental impact. Managers of the business must be involved in the creation of a statement and it should be fully understood by them. The making of an environmental policy is currently voluntary but is essential for any businesses looking to implement an environmental management standard.
Overview and aim
An environmental policy should enable a business to set out and highlight the aims it has in improving the impact it has upon the environment. A policy should assist a business remaining inside the law and reducing incidents that could result in liability. It should also help a business improve its long term efficiency and cost effectiveness. A policy may help encourage and improve relationships external to the business, such as stakeholders, pressure groups, suppliers and customers.
It will be necessary to assess the businesses current position in relation to its environmental impact and environmental management. This will give a starting point from which to develop any policy. After securing a starting point it is important to assess and compare the businesses operations against other similar businesses. This will enable a benchmark to be found.
Content
There is no set template for an environmental policy, but certain features are important to include.
- The businesses mission statement. Set out the mission statement and how it relates to this environmental policy.
- Commitment to continually improve. It is essential that the environmental policy of a business is a perpetual process. This will encourage long term strategy as well as improvement.
- Compliance with relevant legislation. A policy can assist a business in keeping within the law. In doing so, business processes and ways of working that may give rise to liability will be more readily highlighted and reduced.
- Education and training of employees. It is vital that all employees are aware of the businesses environmental policy at its aim. This will encourage the promotion of a pro-active working environment in the implementation of the environmental policy.
- Monitoring progress and reviewing performance. This should be continually applied and will help keep the policy relevant and up-to-date. It should also be linked back to the policy statement itself and amendments made if appropriate.
It is vital to keep any environmental policy short, accessible and achievable to allow it to be a worth while process. Getting the policy signed by senior management will promote the commitment towards it.