The integration of environmental impact assessment and environmental management systems: experiences from the UK

摘要: Environmental impact assessments (EIA) and environmental management systems (EMS) enable organisations to identify, assess manage impacts throughout a development's lifecycle, improving overall performance. To ensure these tools are used efficiently effectively, their synergies links ought be recognised exploited, although the extent which this occurs in practice is uncertain. Focusing on UK, paper reviews experience of linking presents four case studies demonstrating different aspects integration. Further efforts needed seek share good order improve prospects for These should prioritise sectors where EIA development regularly occurs, EMS well established single organisation commonly has involvement across project phases. Introducing protection with complementary purposes. While goal anticipate mitigate proposed new projects at planning design stages, an can help effectively day-to-day arising during construction, operation decommissioning such projects. Organisations have certified standards as ISO 14001 (ISO, 2004). By supporting systematic approach identification evaluation impacts, both that resources focused those deemed “significant”, identifying them early stage systematically addressing lifecycle. The strengthening between ongoing been recommended specific way UK could made more effective (Jay, Jones, Slinn & Wood, 2007). A comparison two demonstrates rather origins regulatory status within European Union, including goals similar. designed adopted voluntarily by operating any sector, restricted listed annexes Directive it legally required. activity considered widespread, nearly 10,000 certificates held 2009) against 450 EIAs carried out England each year (Barker, 2006). integration Various theoretical approaches (eg Perdicoulis Durning, 2007; Ridgeway 2005; Sanchez Hacking 2002;) small number investigated real-life Barnes Lemon, 1999; Marshall, 2004; Slinn, Handley Jay, 2007;). At basic level, linked if implemented construction or commitment was fulfilled site developer operator(s). However, link would strengthened further findings directly informed EMS. For example, (2002) suggest criteria defined later relevant project. might contribute register inform risk-based internal audit programme. provides essential source baseline information “continual improvement” (a key requirement standard) demonstrated year-on-year. Likewise, existing generate useful when carrying similar (Glasson et al., 2005. This gives opportunity translate generic recommendations into implementable procedures instructions helps address stakeholder concerns (Sanchez Hacking, 2002). linkages exploited generally locations seems relatively unknown, UK. Furthermore, Ecclestone Smythe claim comparatively little consideration given