Step 5: Hold a Kick-off Meeting
Once the Environmental Management System (EMS) team is in place, the next step is to hold a kick-off meeting with top management. This meeting is important because it helps make sure everyone understands and is committed to the EMS. The meeting should review the organization’s environmental policy (covered in Step 3) and explain how the EMS will help meet those goals. It is important that everyone understands the purpose of the EMS and why it matters to the organization.
During the meeting, team members must discuss their roles and responsibilities in supporting the EMS. For example, the maintenance supervisor may be responsible for reducing energy use in equipment, while the purchasing manager may look for more environmentally friendly products. Everyone must agree on the first actions to take. These could include reviewing current waste disposal practices, setting up recycling bins, or checking for environmental risks in the workplace.
After the meeting, the EMS team should send a clear message to all employees about the plan to put the EMS in place. This message should explain what the EMS is, why it matters, and what changes employees can expect. For example, employees may need to separate waste into different bins, use less water, or report spills right away. The communication must also explain how employees can ask questions or give ideas to help meet environmental goals. This could include placing a suggestion box in the breakroom or giving contact details for the EMS champion.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
2-6. What actions would likely be discussed during the EMS kick-off meeting?
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