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ABSTRACT
This article focuses on the process of developing and deploying a corporate environmental policy consistent with the requirements of ISO 14001-Environmental Management Systems and the requirements and guidelines for its use. The author has sought to link to the principles of social responsibility addressed in ISO 26000 - Guidelines for social responsibility, to present this as a component of a wider strategy that can contribute to the sustainable development of the company and its territory. The ISO 14001 requirements (and the EC Regulation EMAS: Eco-Management and Audit Scheme) are exposed and explained. The objectives are reviewed and the basic rules to observe in developing a policy whose implementation will not be subsequently compromised are discussed. Emphasis is also placed on the need to ensure consistency between the content of the political environment and the themes it deals with, and the scope of application of the management system in place. The content requirements of the environment policy are described and illustrated. Dissemination and communication of the policy environment and its assimilation and appropriation by the persons concerned are an extremely important point in the process for the deployment of this policy within the organization and its stakeholders. Concrete examples are provided. This article emphasizes the importance of living by reviewing this policy periodically in accordance with the requirements of ISO 14001. The author's experience in auditing and the certification of management systems of the environment allows for a point on the main event of non-compliance identified during these audits against the requirements of ISO 14001.
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Read the articleAUTHOR
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Alain PRATS: Doctor of Natural Sciences – Engineer/consultant at the French National Institute for the Environment and Risks (INERIS) - Risk management business manager, trainer and ICA-certified auditor
INTRODUCTION
Strategic thinking on sustainable development has become a reality and a necessity for companies. The concept of "sustainable development", long confined to a political ideology, was often opposed to notions of industrial or economic development for a company or a region. The idea of associating sustainable development with the acceptance of a form of reasonable economic degrowth was also part of the arsenal of the concept's detractors.
The publication of ISO 26000 in November 2010 (guidelines on social responsibility) has given content and meaning to the principles of sustainable development. This standard confronts organizations with their responsibilities. It considers them responsible for the positive or negative impact their decisions and activities may have on society, the environment and the local economy. This standard therefore proposes that organizations adopt ethical behavior that will enable them to contribute to the sustainable development of their business and our society.
The environmental component of the "sustainable development" triptych (economic, social, environmental) is important, as it is at the heart of the current concerns of civil society and the political world. Companies are well aware of the importance of not disappointing their partners on this point, so as not to compromise their future development capabilities. The December 2004 ISO 14001 standard "Environmental management systems – Requirements and guidelines for use" provides an effective framework for implementing good management practices in this area. The characterization and implementation of these practices must be based on the prior definition of a relevant environmental strategy and policy.
The aim of this article is to demonstrate the importance of this political commitment, and the need for it to be sincere, realistic, relevant and shared by all concerned. It is important to establish this environmental policy while taking into account any economic and social constraints the company may face. The environmental policy should not be seen as a fixed commitment on the part of the company, but as part of its overall development strategy, to be reviewed periodically in the light of changes, challenges and the company's economic and social context.
Then, and this is not the easiest part, you have to harmonize the company's decisions, and especially those of its management, with its message.
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KEYWORDS
Development and implementation of a policy | normative requirements | environmental policy | communication | environment | environmental audit | sustainable development | ISO 14001 | ISO 26000
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Bibliography
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Websites
Legifrance :
Afnor (Association française de normalisation) :
Aida (Ineris):
...Standards and norms
- Système de management de la qualité : exigences. - ISO 9001 - 2008
- Environmental management system – Requirements and guidelines for use. - ISO 14001 - 2004
- Lignes directrices relatives à la responsabilité sociétale. - ISO 26000 - 2010
- Occupational health and safety management systems – Requirements - OHSAS 18001 - 2007
Regulations
Regulation (EEC) no. 1836/93 of June 29, 1993, allowing voluntary participation by companies in the industrial sector in a Community eco-management and audit scheme (Official Journal no. L168 of July 10, 1993 p. 0001-0018).
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