Environmental Audit - Essay Example

This 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 shed 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 turbulent due to the era of change and uncertainty in which we live. Changes are happening faster and faster, requiring continual response on the part of businesses.

Thereby, it is becoming increasingly imperative for companies to carry out feasibility studies and environmental audits to assess the nature of the new market and plan the strategies accordingly. Environmental audit is the process by which the company’s environmental performance is tested based upon the various environmental policies and strategies that are implemented. The environmental policies and objectives of an organization are clearly stated and documented even if they are not followed as rigorously.

The audit is carried out based on tests that study the documentation, the policies, work manuals and other material, observation of work practices, and other tests that ensure compliance to the policies and legal requirements. According to the International Chamber of Commerce environmental audit is defined as “a management tool that ensures a methodical, documented, regular and objective assessment 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 time. 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 forefront 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 company’s lawyers. The information 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 option 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 line with the overall corporate policies and values. 3M