Principles, scope and elements for successful environmental management

Environmental Management: Definition

Different people define environmental management differently, depending on the context in which they work. For the purposes of this Course, let us consider the following two views:

(i) The process of allocating natural and artificial resources so as to make optimum use of the environment in satisfying basic human needs at the minimum, and more if possible, on a sustainable basis (Jolly, 1978).

(ii) A generic description of a process undertaken by systems oriented professionals with a natural science, social science, or less commonly, an engineering, law, or design background, tackling problems of the human altered environment on an interdisciplinary basis from a quantitative and/or futuristic viewpoint (Dorney, 1989).

Some of the characteristics of EM include the following:

1. It is often used as a generic term.

2. It supports sustainable development.

3. It deals with a world affected by human beings.

4. It demands a multidisciplinary or interdisciplinary approach.

5. It has to integrate different development viewpoints.

6. It seeks to integrate science, social science, policy-making and planning.

7. It recognizes the desirability of meeting, and if possible exceeding basic human needs. The time-scale involved extends beyond the short-term and concerns range from local to global.

8. It should show opportunities as well as address threats and problems.

9. It stresses stewardship, rather than exploitation.

The goals of EM, which is an approach for environmental stewardship integrating ecology, policy-making, planning and social development, include: preventing and resolving environmental problems; establishing limits; establishing and nurturing institutions that effectively support environmental research, monitoring and management; identifying threats and opportunities; sustaining and, if possible, improving existing resources; improving the quality of life; Identifying environmentally sound technologies or policies

Principles

Environmental management is guided by several key principles that aim to promote sustainability, minimize environmental impacts, and ensure responsible resource use. These principles form the foundation for policies and practices that organizations and governments implement to protect and preserve the environment.

1. Polluter Pays Principle (PPP)

Definition:

• The Polluter Pays Principle (PPP) asserts that those who produce pollution should bear the costs of managing it to prevent damage to human health or the environment.

Key Aspects:

• Internalization of Costs: Polluters are financially responsible for the environmental damage they cause, including costs of pollution prevention, mitigation, and remediation.
• Incentive for Reduction: By making pollution costly, PPP incentivizes polluters to reduce their emissions and invest in cleaner technologies.
• Legal Frameworks: Many environmental laws and regulations, such as carbon pricing and pollution taxes, are based on this principle.

2. The User Pays Principle (UPP)

Definition:

• The User Pays Principle (UPP) states that the users of natural resources should pay for the full cost of their consumption, including the environmental costs.

Key Aspects:

• Resource Valuation: Ensures that the price of resources reflects their true cost, including extraction, environmental degradation, and depletion.
• Fair Allocation: Promotes fair allocation of resources by discouraging overuse and waste through economic instruments like fees, charges, and tariffs.
• Sustainable Use: Encourages more sustainable consumption patterns by making users more aware of the environmental impacts of their resource use.

3. The Precautionary Principle (PP)

Definition:

• The Precautionary Principle (PP) emphasizes taking preventive action in the face of uncertainty, to avoid harm to human health or the environment.

Key Aspects:

• Preventive Action: When there is a risk of serious or irreversible damage, the lack of full scientific certainty should not be used as a reason for postponing measures to prevent environmental harm.
• Risk Management: Involves careful assessment and management of potential risks, prioritizing actions that prevent or reduce potential harm.
• Regulatory Measures: Often applied in environmental and public health regulations to ensure that activities or substances posing potential risks are controlled or limited.

4. Principle of Effectiveness and Efficiency

Definition:

• This principle ensures that environmental policies and measures achieve their objectives effectively and efficiently, maximizing benefits while minimizing costs.

Key Aspects:

• Goal Achievement: Policies should be designed to achieve specific environmental outcomes effectively.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Resources should be used efficiently, ensuring that environmental goals are met at the lowest possible cost.
• Performance Evaluation: Continuous monitoring and evaluation of environmental policies and practices to improve their effectiveness and efficiency.

5. The Principle of Responsibility

Definition:

• The Principle of Responsibility assigns accountability to individuals and organizations for their environmental impacts and actions.

Key Aspects:

• Accountability: Entities causing environmental harm are responsible for preventing, mitigating, and remedying such harm.
• Ethical Obligation: Promotes a sense of moral and ethical responsibility towards the environment.
• Corporate Responsibility: Encourages businesses to integrate environmental considerations into their operations and decision-making processes.

6. The Principle of Participation

Definition:

• The Principle of Participation emphasizes the involvement of all stakeholders in environmental decision-making processes.

Key Aspects:

• Inclusive Decision-Making: Ensures that affected parties, including local communities, NGOs, and the public, have a voice in environmental decisions.
• Transparency: Promotes transparency and openness in environmental governance, building trust and accountability.
• Empowerment: Encourages public involvement and empowerment through access to information, consultation, and participation mechanisms.

7. The Principle of Proportionality

Definition:

• The Principle of Proportionality ensures that environmental measures are appropriate to the scale and severity of the issue they address, balancing costs and benefits.

Key Aspects:

• Balanced Approach: Environmental actions and regulations should be proportionate to the environmental risk or damage they aim to address.
• Reasonable Measures: Policies should not impose undue burdens or excessive costs relative to the environmental benefits they provide.
• Risk-Based Management: Prioritizes actions based on the level of environmental risk, ensuring that resources are allocated to the most significant issues.

Scope of Environmental Management

The scope of environmental management covers all aspects of an organization's activities, products, and services that interact with the environment. This includes:

1. Policy Development: Formulating environmental policies that reflect the organization’s commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability.

2. Operational Activities: Managing environmental impacts associated with production processes, resource use, waste generation, and emissions.

3. Compliance and Standards: Ensuring adherence to environmental laws, regulations, and industry standards.

   • Implementing practices to meet or exceed regulatory requirements.

4. Resource Management: Efficient use of natural resources such as water, energy, and raw materials.

   • Promoting recycling, reuse, and conservation initiatives.

5. Environmental Risk Management: Identifying and mitigating potential environmental risks and hazards.

   • Developing emergency response plans for environmental incidents.

6. Product Lifecycle Management: Considering the environmental impacts of products throughout their lifecycle, from design and production to disposal and recycling.

7. Training and Awareness: Educating employees and stakeholders about environmental issues and the importance of environmental management.

   • Providing training on best practices and environmental responsibilities.

8. Performance Monitoring and Reporting: Regularly measuring and reporting on environmental performance metrics.

   • Using data to inform decision-making and demonstrate progress towards environmental goals.

Elements of Successful Environmental Management

1. Environmental Policy: A clear, comprehensive policy that outlines the organization’s environmental commitments and objectives. The policy should be endorsed by top management and communicated to all employees and stakeholders.

2. Planning: Establishing objectives and targets based on the environmental policy and identified significant environmental aspects. Developing action plans to achieve these objectives and targets.

3. Implementation and Operation: Defining roles, responsibilities, and authorities for environmental management. Allocating resources, including personnel, technology, and financial investments, to support environmental initiatives. Implementing operational controls and procedures to manage environmental aspects.

4. Training and Competence: Ensuring that employees have the necessary knowledge, skills, and competencies to carry out their environmental responsibilities. Providing ongoing training and development opportunities.

5. Communication: Establishing internal and external communication channels for environmental information. Engaging with stakeholders through reports, meetings, and feedback mechanisms.

6. Documentation: Maintaining documentation to support the EMS, including policies, procedures, records, and reports. Ensuring that documents are accessible, updated, and controlled.

7. Monitoring and Measurement: Regularly monitoring and measuring environmental performance against established criteria. Using key performance indicators (KPIs) to track progress and identify areas for improvement.

8. Auditing: Conducting internal and external audits to verify compliance with the EMS and regulatory requirements. Identifying non-conformances and areas for improvement.

9. Management Review: Periodically reviewing the EMS to assess its effectiveness and suitability. Making decisions on changes to policies, objectives, and practices based on review findings.

10. Continual Improvement: Implementing corrective and preventive actions to address non-conformances and enhance environmental performance. Encouraging innovation and adoption of best practices to drive continual improvement.

IS0 14000 Series

The ISO 14000 series is a family of standards related to environmental management that exists to help organizations minimize how their operations negatively affect the environment, comply with applicable laws, regulations, and other environmentally oriented requirements, and continually improve in these areas. The series was developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and includes many standards covering various aspects of environmental management.

Overview of ISO 14000 Series

ISO 14001: Environmental Management Systems (EMS)

• ISO 14001:2015: This is the most widely recognized standard in the ISO 14000 series. It specifies the requirements for an effective environmental management system (EMS). It provides a framework that an organization can follow, rather than establishing environmental performance requirements. Key elements include:
  • Context of the Organization: Understanding the internal and external issues that can impact the EMS, including stakeholder needs and expectations.
  • Leadership: Top management's commitment to environmental management, including defining the environmental policy and assigning roles and responsibilities.
  • Planning: Identifying environmental aspects and impacts, legal and other requirements, risks and opportunities, and setting objectives and targets.
  • Support: Ensuring resources, competence, awareness, communication, and documented information.
  • Operation: Implementing operational controls, emergency preparedness, and response.
  • Performance Evaluation: Monitoring, measurement, analysis, evaluation, internal audit, and management review.
  • Improvement: Corrective actions, continual improvement of the EMS.

ISO 14004: General Guidelines on Principles, Systems, and Support Techniques

• Provides guidance on establishing, implementing, maintaining, and improving an environmental management system. It complements ISO 14001 by offering more detailed guidance on a broader range of topics, including developing environmental policies, identifying environmental aspects, and improving EMS effectiveness.

ISO 14006: Guidelines for Incorporating Ecodesign

• Assists organizations in incorporating ecodesign into their environmental management systems. It aims to improve the environmental performance of products by integrating environmental considerations into product design and development.

ISO 14015: Environmental Assessment of Sites and Organizations (EASO)

• Provides principles and guidelines for conducting an environmental assessment of a site or organization. It helps in evaluating the environmental performance and risks associated with a specific location or business activity.

ISO 14020 to ISO 14025: Environmental Labels and Declarations

• A series of standards providing guidelines for different types of environmental labeling and declarations:
  • ISO 14020: General principles for all environmental labels and declarations.
  • ISO 14021: Self-declared environmental claims (Type II environmental labeling).
  • ISO 14024: Environmental labels (Type I environmental labeling), which are based on criteria set by third parties.
  • ISO 14025: Environmental declarations (Type III environmental declarations), which provide quantified environmental data based on life cycle assessment (LCA).

ISO 14031: Environmental Performance Evaluation (EPE)

• Provides guidance on designing and using environmental performance evaluation (EPE) within an organization. It focuses on selecting key performance indicators (KPIs) and methods for measuring and assessing environmental performance.

ISO 14040 to ISO 14044: Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)

• A series of standards related to life cycle assessment:
  • ISO 14040: Principles and framework for LCA.
  • ISO 14044: Requirements and guidelines for LCA, covering the phases of goal and scope definition, inventory analysis, impact assessment, and interpretation.

ISO 14046: Water Footprint

• Specifies principles, requirements, and guidelines for assessing the water footprint of products, processes, and organizations based on life cycle assessment (LCA).

ISO 14050: Terms and Definitions

• Provides a comprehensive list of terms and definitions used in the ISO 14000 series of standards, ensuring a common understanding of key concepts.

ISO 14051: Material Flow Cost Accounting (MFCA)

• Offers a practical approach to improving resource efficiency and reducing environmental impacts by examining the flow and cost of materials within an organization.

ISO 14064: Greenhouse Gases

• A set of standards providing guidance on quantifying, monitoring, reporting, and verifying greenhouse gas emissions and removals. It includes:
  • ISO 14064-1: Specification with guidance at the organization level for quantification and reporting of greenhouse gas emissions and removals.
  • ISO 14064-2: Specification with guidance at the project level for quantification, monitoring, and reporting of greenhouse gas emission reductions or removal enhancements.
  • ISO 14064-3: Specification with guidance for the validation and verification of greenhouse gas assertions.

ISO 14065: Greenhouse Gas Validation and Verification Bodies

• Specifies requirements for the competence, impartiality, and consistent operation of bodies validating and verifying greenhouse gas emissions.

ISO 14067: Carbon Footprint of Products

• Specifies principles, requirements, and guidelines for quantifying and communicating the carbon footprint of products (CFP), including partial CFP.

The ISO 14000 series provides a robust framework for organizations seeking to manage their environmental responsibilities in a systematic and sustainable way. By implementing these standards, organizations can improve their environmental performance, comply with regulatory requirements, and enhance their reputation among stakeholders. Each standard within the series addresses different aspects of environmental management, offering comprehensive guidance to support continuous improvement and sustainable development.

Ecomark Scheme

The Ecomark Scheme is an environmental certification mark issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) for products conforming to a set of standards that are environmentally friendly. This voluntary scheme was introduced by the Government of India in 1991 with the objective of encouraging consumers to buy products that have a reduced impact on the environment, thereby promoting sustainable consumption and production practices.

Objectives of the Ecomark Scheme

1. Encouragement of Environmentally Friendly Products:

   • To provide an incentive for manufacturers to develop and market environmentally sound products.
   • To encourage industries to reduce environmental impacts at various stages of the product lifecycle.

2. Consumer Awareness:

   • To increase consumer awareness regarding the environmental impact of products and promote the use of eco-friendly products.

3. Waste Reduction:

   • To minimize the generation of waste by encouraging the use of recyclable and biodegradable materials.

4. Sustainable Development:

   • To promote sustainable production and consumption patterns in line with environmental conservation.

Criteria for Ecomark Certification

The Ecomark Scheme covers a wide range of product categories, and the criteria for certification are based on the entire life cycle of the product, including production, use, and disposal. The criteria generally include:

1. Product Composition: The product must be made from materials that are less harmful to the environment. This includes the use of recyclable, biodegradable, and non-toxic materials.

2. Production Process: The manufacturing process should minimize environmental damage. This includes reducing emissions, effluents, and other pollutants, and conserving resources such as water and energy.

3. Packaging: The packaging materials should be recyclable or biodegradable, and the packaging process should minimize waste.

4. Product Performance: The product should meet performance standards while having a lower environmental impact compared to similar products in the market.

5. Disposal:The product should be designed for easy disassembly and recycling at the end of its life cycle. It should also be non-hazardous when disposed of.

Product Categories Covered

The Ecomark Scheme covers a diverse range of product categories, including but not limited to:

1. Food Items: Products that use fewer chemicals in their production and packaging.

2. Textiles: Fabrics that use natural dyes and are made from organic fibers.

3. Paper Products: Paper made from recycled materials or sustainably managed forests.

4. Soaps and Detergents: Products that use biodegradable ingredients and have minimal impact on water bodies.

5. Cosmetics: Products that do not contain harmful chemicals and are cruelty-free.

6. Plastics: Biodegradable or recyclable plastics.

7. Electronic Goods: Energy-efficient appliances and electronics that have minimal hazardous substance content.

8. Packaging Materials: Environmentally friendly packaging solutions that are recyclable or biodegradable.

Certification Process

1. Application: Manufacturers or importers of products apply to the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) for Ecomark certification.

2. Evaluation: BIS evaluates the product based on the predefined environmental criteria for the specific product category. This includes checking the product composition, production process, and other relevant factors.

3. Testing: The product undergoes rigorous testing to ensure it meets the environmental standards. BIS may involve accredited laboratories for this purpose.

4. Certification: If the product meets all the criteria, BIS grants the Ecomark certification. The product can then carry the Ecomark label, signifying its environmental friendliness.

5. Compliance Monitoring: Certified products are periodically checked to ensure ongoing compliance with the standards. Non-compliance can lead to the revocation of the certification.

Benefits of Ecomark Certification

1. Market Advantage: Products with the Ecomark label can attract environmentally conscious consumers, providing a competitive edge in the market.

2. Environmental Protection: Encourages manufacturers to adopt cleaner technologies and sustainable practices, contributing to environmental conservation.

3. Regulatory Compliance: Helps companies stay ahead of regulatory requirements related to environmental protection.

4. Consumer Trust: Enhances consumer trust and brand reputation as it demonstrates the company's commitment to environmental stewardship.

5. Cost Savings: By adopting eco-friendly practices, companies can often achieve cost savings through improved efficiencies and waste reduction.

The Ecomark Scheme is an important initiative by the Government of India to promote environmentally friendly products and sustainable consumption practices. By adhering to the criteria set out by the scheme, manufacturers can contribute to environmental conservation, enhance their market position, and build consumer trust. As environmental concerns continue to grow, the Ecomark Scheme provides a valuable framework for encouraging and recognizing sustainable product development.

Preparing environmental management system for an organization

Creating an Environmental Management System (EMS) involves a systematic approach to managing environmental impacts and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations. The most widely recognized framework for an EMS is provided by ISO 14001:2015. Below is a detailed guide on how to prepare an EMS for an organization.

1. Commitment and Policy

Top Management Commitment: Secure commitment from top management to support and lead the EMS implementation. Leadership involvement is crucial for the system's success.

Environmental Policy:

• Develop an environmental policy that reflects the organization's commitment to environmental protection. This policy should:
  • Include a commitment to continual improvement and prevention of pollution.
  • Comply with relevant environmental legislation and regulations.
  • Provide a framework for setting and reviewing environmental objectives and targets.
  • Be documented, implemented, maintained, and communicated to all employees.

2. Planning

Identify Environmental Aspects: Conduct an environmental review to identify aspects of the organization's activities, products, and services that can impact the environment.

Legal and Other Requirements: Identify and have access to applicable legal and other requirements related to environmental aspects.

Objectives and Targets: Establish environmental objectives and targets. Objectives are overall environmental goals, while targets are detailed performance requirements needed to achieve these goals.

Environmental Management Programs: Develop programs to achieve the established objectives and targets. Programs should include timelines, responsible persons, and the means to achieve the targets.

3. Implementation and Operation

Resources, Roles, Responsibility, and Authority: Ensure the availability of resources (human, financial, technological) needed for the EMS. Define roles, responsibilities, and authorities for the EMS, ensuring that key functions are assigned to appropriate individuals.

Competence, Training, and Awareness: Determine the competency needs for employees whose work may impact environmental performance. Provide necessary training and ensure employees are aware of their roles and responsibilities in the EMS.

Communication: Establish procedures for internal and external communication related to environmental aspects, objectives, and performance.

Documentation: Maintain documentation to describe the core elements of the EMS and their interactions. This includes the environmental policy, objectives and targets, a description of the scope of the EMS, and documented procedures.

Operational Control: Identify and plan operations associated with significant environmental aspects to ensure they are conducted under specified conditions. Develop and maintain operational control procedures.

Emergency Preparedness and Response: Identify potential emergency situations and accidents that can have environmental impacts. Develop and implement emergency plans and response procedures.

4. Checking and Corrective Action

Monitoring and Measurement: Develop procedures to monitor and measure key characteristics of operations that can have significant environmental impacts. This includes tracking performance, operational controls, and conformity with objectives and targets.

Evaluation of Compliance: Establish procedures for periodically evaluating compliance with applicable legal requirements and other commitments.

Nonconformance, Corrective, and Preventive Action: Develop procedures for identifying and correcting nonconformances, taking corrective and preventive actions to mitigate environmental impacts.

Records: Maintain records to demonstrate conformity to the EMS and the results achieved. Ensure that records are legible, identifiable, and traceable.

Internal Audit: Conduct internal audits at planned intervals to determine whether the EMS conforms to planned arrangements and is effectively implemented and maintained.

5. Management Review

Review Process: Top management should review the EMS at planned intervals to ensure its continuing suitability, adequacy, and effectiveness. The management review should address:

Results of internal audits and evaluations of compliance with legal requirements and other commitments.

• • Communication(s) from external interested parties.
  • The environmental performance of the organization.
  • The extent to which objectives and targets have been met.
  • Status of corrective and preventive actions.
  • Follow-up actions from previous management reviews.
  • Changing circumstances, including developments in legal and other requirements related to environmental aspects.
  • Recommendations for improvement.

Improvement: Based on the management review, make necessary adjustments to the EMS to continually improve environmental performance.

Implementing an Environmental Management System (EMS) involves a comprehensive approach that integrates environmental considerations into the daily operations of an organization. By following the ISO 14001:2015 framework, organizations can systematically manage their environmental responsibilities, enhance their environmental performance, and ensure compliance with applicable regulations. This structured approach not only helps in reducing environmental impacts but also improves operational efficiencies and supports sustainable development goals.