Scope the Environmental Management System

An organisation has the freedom snd flexibility to define its boundaries and may choose to implement ISO 14001 with respect to the entire organisation, or to specific operating units or activities of the organisation.

The level of detail and complexcity of the environmental management system and the extent of documentation and resources devoted to it will be dependent on the size of the organisation and the nature of the activities and the drivers for implementation.

Within the business there may be existing systems such as quality or OHSAS, which may be referred to or utilised. Support from top management must be achieved if there is an intention to integrate these systems.

Environmnetal alignment and integration

To effectively manage environmental concerns, the environmental management system elements should be designed or revised so that they are effectively aligned and itegrated with existing management system elements.

Management system elements that can benefit from integration include :

• organisation policies;
• resource allocation;
• operational controls and documentation;
• information and support systems;
• training and development;
• organisation and accountability structure;
• reward and appraisal systems;
• measuring and  monitoring systems;
• communication and reporting.

Some issues to be considered in organisational alignment and integration

1. How has the environmental management system been integrated  into the overall business management process?
2. What is the process for balancing and resolving conflicts between environmental and other business objectives and priorities?

As a part of the continual improvement process, the scope of the environmental management system may increase as effective implementation occurs in the initial areas.