The most important (and most frequently asked for) environmental document that your business can possess is its environmental policy, a formal statement outlining your commitment to good environmental performance.
The environmental policy document can be a simple document to prepare, yet if written incorrectly, could lead your organisation to look like a liar to your clients or supply chain if it makes false or misleading claims.
For instance, if your organisation includes within its environmental policy a commitment to reducing its carbon footprint or water usage by 10% by 2012, and hasn’t been monitoring carbon emissions or water consumption, your organisation could be liable for making false or misleading claims if it cannot back-up its claims (particularly if a competitor has reported your organisation to the ACCC).
Top tips to help your business write an environmental policy include;
1. Try to keep the document short and sweet – a 1 page environmental policy statement is sufficient for any organisation;
2. Ensure the document aligns with the international standards for environmental management (ISO14001) – the standard requires specific terminology to be used, such as a commitment to continual improvement of environmental performance;
3. Ensure that you include your organisation’s mission statement – to explain what your organisation does, and to set the scene as to why environmental management and sustainability is important to your organisation;
4. Ensure the document only contains things that your organisation can back-up – as you may be questioned by your clients, supply chain or even competitors;
5. To formalise the policy, ensure it’s signed and dated by the owner of your business, CEO, or Director;
6. Spend some time adding your organisations logo and making the document look professional – as its a promotional document that is going to be seen by potential clients;
7. As with any policy, ensure that all staff within your organisation have witnessed the policy and are aware of what it says, and how it applies to the organisation; and
8. Once you have finalized your environmental policy, ensure you have it visible on your website and framed within your organisations hall of fame (i.e. in your reception area where any awards, certificates are located).
Next step
Find out more information about our Green Accreditation Scheme here.
Learn more about our Environment Improvement Program here.
Brett Miller is a Business SA Environment and Sustainability specialist helping businesses to identify ways in which they can become more sustainable. Contact Brett via email or call the Customer Service Centre on 08 8300 0103.
