Environmental Management Case Study

Chapter I Conceptual frame work of Environmental Management INTRODUCTION: Environmental disasters such as Bhopal Gas Tragedy and Chernobyl, and problems like global warming and ozone depletion that arise due to the industrial mode of development have opened our minds to the fact that there is something grossly wrong with it. These are major accidents or problems. There are several minor happenings around us, which reveal the crying need for good environmental management. For instance, think about the distance you have to travel for reaching your work place. You may have suffered irritation from noise and health problems due to the exhaust of vehicles. Thus, developments that signify economic and industrial progress also lead to environmental

Why is it important for businesses and industries to care for the environment? You could list a number of reasons such as the following: • National economies depend upon the wise use of natural resources. Agriculture and the industries of energy, forestry, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, fishing, real estate, recreation and tourism could all be jeopardized by poor management of the environment. • The management of resources in developing countries has a direct impact on the economic well-being of developed countries. The failure of a country to observe the policy of sustainable development could lead to economic restrictions, social turmoil, and even political instability. Any of these factors could affect access to both materials and markets, and result in long term repercussions to the local and world economy. • Global economic interdependence is affected by factors such as explosive population growth, which affects the consumption of natural resources. • It is in the best interest of businesses and industries to resolve their environmental problems before the governments become involved and impose their restrictions on

• Easier compliance with environmental standards. Perhaps, due to the reasons cited above, we have been witnessing important changes in the approaches to environmental management. These changes could be described briefly in terms of three generations of organizational environmental management Evolving approach to organizational environment management First Generation: • No long-term strategic approach. • Environmental management seen as an overhead cost. • Pollution control oriented. Second Generation: • Limited strategic approach • Environmental management seen as a necessary survival cost, especially to avoid future liabilities. • Regulation oriented. Third Generation: • Essential element of a company’s strategic approach. • Environmental management seen as a fully legitimate business expense. • Competitive advantage, quality, community and customer oriented. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM The definition of environmental management system (EMS) as given in ISO 14001 is as follows: An EMS is that part of the overall management system which includes organizational structure, planning activities, responsibilities, practices, procedures, processes and resources for developing, implementing, achieving, reviewing and maintaining