to manage environmental risks and hence assure compliance with their permits. This is due to the more complex and high risk activities carried out by EPR permit holders. In doing so, it encourages the uptake of standards such as ISO 14001 and ISO 14031 to demonstrate a robust approach. Recognition of good performance management through the use of ISO and ISO 14031 standards will help organisations to improve their risk rating and reduce annual subsistence charges. An organisation operating an independently verified ISO 14001 EMS (or EMAS) is given a higher performance rating than those operating a non-certified or EMS under the Operator Risk Appraisal (OPRA) scheme. ‘in-house’ One of the benefits of using the ISO 14031 standard is that organisations within each sector can become more consistent and streamlined in applying performance measures. This will potentially simplify and reduce the costs of regulation for sectors. Standard Compliance Best Practice EMS Structured management of compliance with EMS is integrated with and part of normal business environmental legal and other obligations. practice. Staff are aware of compliance obligations for The EMS is independently assessed. their role and are competent to meet them. The EMS is continuously reviewed and improved. Non-compliances are detected and addressed to prevent re-occurrence. EPE All compliance obligations are identified. EPE is integrated within the business, is industry relevant, complete, consistent, accurate and Performance measures are established to transparent and part of normal business practice. monitor and report on compliance status. All business environmental risks are identified. Top management receive and act on environmental compliance data. Performance measures are established to monitor and report on environmental risks. Part 4 The next steps for industry and organisations David Smith – – The revision and republication of ISO 14031 provides a new opportunity for industry, trade associations, environmentalists, regulators and standards writers to work together to provide more coherent guidance and tools to help organizations get the best out of their environmental and performance management. Improved environmental performance management would provide greater assurance to stakeholders, potential cost savings and help enhance credibility and reputation in the world marketplace.
to manage environmental risks and hence assure compliance with their permits. This is due to the more complex and high risk activities carried out by EPR permit holders. In doing so, it encourages the uptake of standards such as ISO 14001 and ISO 14031 to demonstrate a robust approach. Recognition of good performance management through the use of ISO and ISO 14031 standards will help organisations to improve their risk rating and reduce annual subsistence charges. An organisation operating an independently verified ISO 14001 EMS (or EMAS) is given a higher performance rating than those operating a non-certified or ‘in-house’ EMS under the Operator Risk Appraisal (OPRA) scheme. One of the benefits of using the ISO 14031 standard is that organisations within each sector can become more consistent and streamlined in applying performance measures. This will potentially simplify and reduce the costs of regulation for sectors. Standard Compliance Best Practice EMS Structured management of compliance with environmental legal and other obligations. Staff are aware of compliance obligations for their role and are competent to meet them. Non-compliances are detected and addressed to prevent re-occurrence. EMS is integrated with and part of normal business practice. The EMS is independently assessed. The EMS is continuously reviewed and improved. EPE All compliance obligations are identified. Performance measures are established to monitor and report on compliance status. Top management receive and act on environmental compliance data. EPE is integrated within the business, is industry relevant, complete, consistent, accurate and transparent and part of normal business practice. All business environmental risks are identified. Performance measures are established to monitor and report on environmental risks. Part 4 – The next steps for industry and organisations – David Smith The revision and republication of ISO 14031 provides a new opportunity for industry, trade associations, environmentalists, regulators and standards writers to work together to provide more coherent guidance and tools to help organizations get the best out of their environmental and performance management. Improved environmental performance management would provide greater assurance to stakeholders, potential cost savings and help enhance credibility and reputation in the world marketplace.
ISO-14031-article.docx