When first establishing an environmental management system an organization should begin where there is obvious benefit, for example by focusing on immediate cost saving or regulatory compliance mainly related to its significant environmental aspects. As the environmental management system takes shape, procedures, programmes and technologies can be put in place to further improve environmental performance. As the environmental management system matures, environmental considerations can be integrated into all business decisions.
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4.1.2 Top Management Commitment and Leadership
To ensure success, an early step in developing or improving an environmental management system involves obtaining commitment from the top management of the organisation to improve the environmental management of its activities, products and services. The on-going commitment and leadership of the top management are crucial. Identifying the benefits that an environmental management system can bring, as well as the challenges that an environmental management system can avoid, may help to secure top management's commitment and leadership.
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This commitment to improve is generally demonstrated by :
- Defining what the environmental management system means within the context of the business drivers. This is about understanding the inherent environmental risks for the business and defining what 'sound environmental performance' means for this business at this time. This can be found in a number of elements of the environmental management system and should be articulated within the environmental policy.
- Provision of appropriate resources for the successful implementation of the environmental management system. The resources can cover human, financial, technical, time, skills and any other resources which are necessary for effective and successful implementation.
- Commitment to regularly review the environmental management system through a management review process and establish and implement new environmental goals.
- Top management gaining awareness of what the environmental management system can do for the business and personally demonstrating environmental commitment.
There are various formal commitments, which are ruequired by ISO14001 ie:
- Commitment to prevent pollution - 4.2
- Commitment to comply with legal and other requirements - 4.2
- Commitment to continual improvement of environmental performance - 4.2
- Commitment to the appropriate provision of resources - 4.4.1
- Commitment to a process of regular management reviews - 4.6
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