Running a business involves fulfilling environmental protection obligations. However, in the rush of things, it is easy to overlook them. One way to verify whether a company is fulfilling the requirements imposed on it is an environmental audit. When is it worth doing one? What to remember when preparing one? Here is the most important information you need to know.
Environmental audit – the most important benefits of a reliable study
environmental audit is an in-depth procedure that allows us to determine whether a business activity is being conducted in accordance with applicable environmental protection laws and provisions contained in decisions obtained by the entrepreneur from the environment. It indicates both good practices and those areas of the company's functioning that are inconsistent with the adopted standards and which should be improved so that the company operates more ecologically. Why is it worth choosing it?
A properly conducted environmental audit not only serves a reporting function, but can also be a starting point for changes in the company towards a more sustainable use of resources. With it, you can:
- avoid penalties resulting from non-compliance with environmental protection regulations,
- save money due to optimal use of resources,
- gain a positive image as a socially responsible company,
- reduce the risk of dangerous and costly to eliminate environmental hazards,
- comprehensively manage the enterprise,
- easier to introduce organizational changes.
As a result of the environmental audit, a study should be created that takes into account various aspects of the company's functioning in the context of environmental protection. For this reason, its conduct it is worth entrusting it to specialists, who will take care of every detail of the report. At EkoMeritum, we have extensive experience in performing environmental audits. We not only analyze the documents provided by the entrepreneur, but also visit the plant. Thanks to this, we are able to develop a thorough expert opinion.
What does an environmental audit include?
An environmental audit can also take the form of comprehensive ecological review, which examines every aspect of the company’s operation in the context of environmental protection, as well as being a selective study analysing selected elements of the company’s impact on the ecosystem, such as:
- emission of gases and dust into the air,
- water intake,
- sewage disposal,
- waste management,
- noise emission.
As part of the audit, specialists also check records, reports and fees in the field of environmental protection, the performance of which is binding on a given entrepreneur. Any penalties resulting from failure to ensure them can be severe. For this reason, these are aspects that require in-depth analysis.
Every company functions differently and has a different impact on the surrounding ecosystem. For this reason, an environmental audit should be adapt to the specific nature of the business and the individual needs of the company. Only then can it be considered a reliable study.
Why does a company need an environmental audit?
An environmental audit is carried out for various purposes. It allows for verification of, among others, whether the company has the administrative decisions required by law, whether it manages waste properly or whether it has not omitted to perform measurements that are mandatory for it. An ecological expertise is also often decided by companies seeking to obtain or maintain ISO certificate, as well as entities that want to check how subcontractors are fulfilling their obligations.
A properly conducted environmental audit will be a source of reliable information regarding the functioning of the company in the context of environmental protection. It is able to, for example: protect your company from unpleasant consequences resulting from failure to comply with the obligations imposed by law. For this reason, it should be carried out by specialists. Do you want to commission an environmental audit? Contact us.
