Environmental Audit Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Environmental Audit - Essay ExampleThis paper is focused upon environmental audit and how important it is for an organization. It would elaborate on the environmental policies of 3M. Moreover it would spill light upon how 3M followed sustainable practices. Discussion Anything that impinges on the firm can be included in the environment. The environment is not stable in fact, it is increasingly roiling due to the era of change and uncertainty in which we live. Changes be happening faster and faster, requiring continual response on the part of businesses. Thereby, it is becoming increasingly imperative mood for companies to carry out feasibility studies and environmental audits to measure out the nature of the new market and plan the strategies accordingly. Environmental audit is the process by which the companys environmental performance is tested based upon the various environmental policies and strategies that are implemented. The environmental policies and objectives of an org anization are clearly verbalize and documented even if they are not followed as rigorously. The audit is carried out based on tests that study the reinforcement, the policies, work manuals and other material, observation of work practices, and other tests that ensure compliance to the policies and ratified requirements. According to the International Chamber of Commerce environmental audit is defined as a management tool that ensures a methodical, documented, regular and objective estimation of how an organization is performing in its aims to maintain and protect the environment through controlling management of environmental practices and evaluating the conformity with the policies of the company (Environmental Auditing, 2004) Environmental audit is a done in a structured and organized manner in order to manage environmental and sustainability issues. It must be supported through the documentation so that verification and validation is carried out effectively at any point in ti me. The purpose and idea behind an environmental audit is to assess the performance of an organization in terms of its environmental management and equipment. There are various types of environmental audits including environmental management audit, environmental compliance audit, environmental assessment audit, waste audits, environmental due diligence audits and supplier audits. I formerly worked at 3M US which is one of the top companies when it comes to environmental sustainability. It has been at the cutting edge from the beginning when it comes to adopting programs and policies to ensure environmental protection, social responsibility and economic vitality. The legal structure of the US also has influence over the companies and ensures that environmental policies that are stated are properly followed and implemented. The environmental protection agency (EPA) had strong compliance and conformity principles. At 3M the environmental audit is conducted by the companys lawyers. The culture of the audit is kept confidential and not issued until court orders are received. The approach of audit is been changed by the USEPA to go towards self-policing. Self audit is considered a better natural selection as it allows the companies to reduce any potential legal costs by a great amount. 3M had high regards for sustainability and gave precedence to the sustainable practices. The sustainable practices policies of 3M were in pull out with the overall corporate policies and values. 3M