Essentials of Environmental Management

Book excerpt: Over recent years, there has been a rapid expansion in the number of professionals requiring knowledge and skills in environmental management. Today, the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA) has over 15,000 members, while the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) recognises that thousands of its members now cover, health, safety and environment in their everyday remit. Essentials of environmental management provides a comprehensive introduction to the management of environmental issues. Clearly structured and illustrated, the book explains why and how organisations should manage their environmental interactions at both strategic and operational levels. Now in its third edition, Essentials focuses on: The issues and principles underpinning environmental management The principal methods to determine priorities for action The key elements of an effective environmental system based on the 'plan, do, check and act' cycle (including ISO 14001) The main operational controls and approaches to continually improve performance Supply chain issues and environmental considerations Strategic environmental pressures and how to address them, including carbon management strategies How environmental management contributes to wider business concerns, the process of sustainable development and the corporate social responsibility agenda. The authors combine a broad training background with extensive practical experience of environmental management. Essentials provides a user-friendly framework which sets out the key principles and approaches that underpin this ever-growing professional discipline.