Complying with different Environmental Regulation is not just papers. It should be a continuous process for the development and enhancement of the organization’s environmental performance.
Compliance does not end with the submission of required documents or the issuance of applied permits. I can say that it is only the start. To be able to comply with these regulations consistently, a system should be established.
Environmental Management System teaches us on how to deal with the organization’s environmental programs in a comprehensive, systematic, planned and documented manner. This way, lapses will be avoided and occurrence of non-compliance can be prevented. It will also lead to the improvement of environmental performance of the organization and continual improvement of the system as well.
Just like in Quality Management System, EMS also follows the Plan-Do-Check-Act Cycle. Setting up a policy is a first step, implementing it, checking and monitoring of the system if it is properly followed, and take necessary actions for lapses or rooms for improvement. Notice that the process is a continuous cycle, meaning that it will not stop with taking action. That action should be considered in the developing of the policy of EMS, implementation and shall be included in the monitoring.
Being a member of the first and only ISO Registered Management Consultancy in the Philippines, I am proud to say that the environmental services that we are providing the clients does not end with our contract with them.