What is an Environmental Management Plan?
An Environmental Management Plan puts environmental practices and objectives into a written format (namely, a checklist or anything else that works). This then serves to demonstrate a businesses’ commitment to the protection of the environment. Whilst many businesses actively protect the environment through everyday actions, it is important that the business records these actions and initiatives.
So you might be doing the right thing, but can you prove it? Completing a checklist every 6 months or so (or better yet, delegating someone to complete the checklist) can demonstrate environmental responsibility and prove consistent good behaviours or regular checks. |
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Proving that the business is being proactive in preventing pollution is important if being audited by the industry regulator for environmental issues, Local Councils. It might just seem like another piece of paperwork, but it might just come in handy one day and can also be used as a training tool for younger technicians.
MTA’s Sample Environmental Management Plan
The MTA has a sample Environmental Management Plan which is available to Members to assist in the establishment of individual business Environmental Management Plans. Members are welcome to use the checklist provided, whether all or in part, and can add anything relevant or incorporate it into an Occupational Health and Safety check that may already be completed by the business.
The sample Environmental Management Plan is a tool for members to use in their business to ensure environmental legislative compliance and best practice. It is a baseline checklist, and there are plenty of additional steps and checks your business can take to improve its environmental efficiency. A sample is provided because, for many businesses, this baseline checklist will be enough to cover the basics. This sample may provide all your needs or at least get you started, either of which will save your business time.
To download the sample Environmental Management Plan, go to www.greenstamp.mtansw.com.au and click “Information Guides”. Alternatively, email greenstamp@mtansw.com.au or call the MTA on 02 9213 4222 to have one sent to you.
Implementation
An Environmental Management Plan should reflect legislative requirements, best practice guidelines and any initiatives that the business has. After establishing an appropriate checklist or similar document, a business can carry out the checks at the determined timeframes. The findings of the checks should always be reported back to management for implementation and, if appropriate, to all staff. If any action is needed it should be addressed as required (please note, the shaded action items in the checklist represent the most important/urgent items) before the next check is completed.
Reviews
It is crucial that the Environmental Management Plan is reviewed to ensure that all environmental impacts are being addressed and that scope is being made for continuous improvements. Businesses need to be undertaking steps to raise the level of environmental performance, which may mean setting goals of equipment upgrades or putting together training schedules. Each business needs to review the information gathered in the Environmental Management Plan checklist and make sure that required actions are completed.
So, it’s not as hard as it sounds ...
An Environmental Management Plan is simply putting what you already do in writing and opening up avenues for any required improvements. Use the MTA’s sample, or contact the MTA about putting one together specifically for your business requirements.
The MTA is running the Green Stamp Plus program in New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory as a joint initiative with the Australian Government Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts. For more information please visit www.greenstamp.mtansw.com.au or call MTA on 02 9213 4222.
