Public and private organizations are becoming more aware of the importance environmental management has for client relations, long-term viability and risk management. The increased importance of environmental management has resulted in a greater demand for professionals who have a solid understanding and appreciation of sustainability. Green jobs are rapidly growing, which is driving a demand for qualified environmental professionals.

What is Environmental Management?

It’s a process of creating standards and policies in order to reduce an organization’s impact on the environment. An environment management system can either be formal or informal and developed by external professionals or internally.

A broad range of environmental issues can be covered by an environmental management plan.

* Air pollution* Ecosystem and wildlife impacts* Energy consumption
* Environmental cleaning up and remediation
* Environmental performance by vendors and contractors
* Emissions from greenhouse gases
* Management of hazardous materials
* Indoor air quality
* Land use patterns
* Use raw materials
* Solid waste production and recycling
* Toxic chemical usage
* Wastewater management
* Water consumption (indoors, outdoors, in manufacturing, or other industrial processes).
* Water quality measurement

The scope of an organization’s environmental management plan will vary depending on its nature and the goals. These structures will be provided:

* Audit of current environmental activities and waste production, energy, water and other environmental factors
* Writing policies and procedures in support of an internal environmental policy.
* Set benchmarks to conserve energy, water, reduce pollution, preserve land, and habitat, as well as limit chemical and waste production
* Provide awareness and training for employees and stakeholders
* Measure the results to be used in compliance reporting and for environmental certifications

Environmental Management Systems are a benefit

The many benefits that environmental management systems can bring to schools, businesses, governments, and non-profits include:

* Lower waste disposal costs, chemicals, water and energy costs
* Less waste of resources results in lower costs
* Increased loyalty of shareholders and employees
* A better public reputation and greater marketing opportunities
* Reduction in risk associated with environmental certification and compliance
* Protection against rising energy prices and price fluctuations

While it’s still a very innovative differentiation technique, environmental Management will soon become business as usual if more executives understand the implications and benefits of sustainability.

Role of Environmental Professionals

A number of factors can influence whether an environmental professional engages a client or their employer. No matter the relationship, the following personal rules should be followed at all costs:

* Respect all rules set forth by law
* Get advice from an attorney or an environmental agency to be ethical.
* Examine the situation and determine how it got there.
* Talk to other professionals about possible solutions.
* Offer suggestions on alternatives
* Regulate and Control Environmental Activities
* Do not allow the situation to get worse.

Appropriate environmental management is critical for successful business operations, to reduce liability and to maintain human and environmental health. EDP work with clients from every industry to provide a tailored approach to reduce their risk and meet their objectives.

Our team combine expertise from across Australia and overseas to create a unique solution in collaboration with our clients, often including technical experts from a variety of disciplines to achieve this.

EDP’s environmental service areas include:

  • Environmental Assessments
  • Underground Storage Tank Management
  • Remediation and Contamination Management
  • Waste Classification and Management
  • Groundwater Assessments
  • Health and Environmental Risk Assessment

To speak to one of our expert team call 02 8484 5810 or email [email protected]