PA12: Protection of the Environment
Companies have the responsibility to follow environmental laws, minimize negative environmental impact, and make a positive contribution to long-term development.
protection of the environment can refer to one or more of the following:
- Energy consumption and greenhouse emissions
- Emissions of pollutants
- Use of hazardous chemicals
- Management of soil fertility and water
- Conservation of biodiversity
PA12: Protection of the Environment
12.1 The Auditee continuously identifies the significant Impacts and environmental Implications associated to its Activity
... takes the necessary measures to have a good understanding of the environmental impacts of its business activities. The self-assessment for environmental impacts includes:
- all processes
- new production processes and/or equipment
- understanding impacts
- pre-defined time periods for doing such assessments
- competent staff responsible for
PA12: Protection of the Environment
12.2 The auditee has procedures in place to ensure integration of local environmental law into the business performance
... to ensure environmental legal compliance by: integrating and making visible policies and procedures
... effective ways to ensure: legislation, requirements, information sources such as websites, publications, services
PA12: Protection of the Environment
12.3 The Auditee has and maintains required environmental Permits and Licences
... takes the necessary measures to have up-to-date environmental permits and licences.
... aware of the necessary environmental permits and licences required by law for specific business activities.
If any environmental permit or licence are unavailable at the time of the audit, the auditee must at least have requested them from the appropriate authority and have a documented proof of such request.
PA12: Protection of the Environment
12.4 The Auditee manages Waste in a way that does not lead to the Pollution of the Environment
.. takes the necessary measures to manage the waste
Regardless of whether there are national regulations, the auditee has procedures in place to:
- identify and separate waste by type
- define any specific handling requirements
- create awareness among workers
- avoid dumping waste into natural environments
- avoid burning waste in open fires
- dispose of plastics and empty chemical containers
PA12: Protection of the Environment
12.5 The auditee manages Water in a way that respects the Environment, including preserving local Water Sources
... to promote water conservation and water waste reduction.
Possible practices include:
- proper identification of water springs, rivers, lakes,
and other ecosystems in the area - documented risk assessment
- raising awareness
- policies and procedures
PA12: Protection of the Environment
Required Documents
- Environmental risk / impact assessment
- Map identification of water springs, rivers, lakes around auditee activities
- Calculation of the necessary financial and personnel resources to comply with the minimum social and environmental requirements
- Valid certificates and environmental licenses
- Waste management plan
- Water management plan
- Environmental Management policies and procedures
