790 Environmental Management Systems (EMS)

Step 10: Identify Operational Controls and Monitoring and Measurement Needs

Monitoring and Measurement

To verify the effectiveness of operational controls and track progress toward environmental objectives, the EMS team must establish a system for monitoring and measuring environmental performance. This involves collecting and analyzing data on key environmental indicators to ensure compliance and identify improvement opportunities.

Purpose: Monitoring and measurement serve several purposes:

• Track Progress: Evaluate whether environmental objectives and targets are being met.
• Ensure Compliance: Verify adherence to legal and regulatory requirements, such as emission limits.
• Evaluate Control Effectiveness: Assess whether controls are mitigating environmental impacts as intended.
• Identify Improvement Opportunities: Highlight areas for enhancing performance, such as reducing resource use.
• Support Reporting: Provide data for internal reporting, external audits, or certifications (e.g., ISO 14001).

What to Monitor: Metrics should align with significant environmental aspects and objectives. Examples include:

• Energy Use: Tracking electricity, gas, or fuel consumption.
• Water Consumption: Measuring water use to promote sustainability.
• Waste Generation: Monitoring volume and type of waste (e.g., hazardous or recyclable).
• Air Emissions: Measuring greenhouse gases or pollutants to ensure compliance.
• Chemical Usage: Tracking hazardous materials to prevent mishandling.
• Compliance Metrics: Monitoring adherence to permits or regulations.

Questions to Ask: The EMS team should ask the following to develop an effective plan:

• Are we able to control the environmental aspects of this operation? Assess whether existing controls are sufficient.
• Are controls strong enough to meet objectives and ensure compliance? Ensure controls prevent harm and meet regulations.
• What monitoring is needed to track progress? Identify metrics aligned with goals.
• How can we verify controls are working? Develop methods like inspections or audits.
• What tools or methods are needed? Consider meters, sampling, or software.
• How often should monitoring occur, and who is responsible? Assign tasks and schedules.

Methods and Tools: Monitoring methods depend on resources and needs:

• Manual Tracking: Logging data like waste quantities or inspections.
• Automated Systems: Using sensors or software for real-time data on energy or emissions.
• Third-Party Audits: Engaging experts to verify performance or compliance.
• Sampling and Testing: Conducting tests for water or air quality.
• Employee Reporting: Encouraging staff to report environmental observations.

Data should be analyzed regularly to identify trends, deviations, or improvement opportunities. For example, an increase in energy use might prompt a review of equipment maintenance. This analysis supports the EMS’s continuous improvement cycle.

Example

Below is an example of EMS operational controls, monitoring, measurement, and evaluation for a manufacturing facility with wastewater discharge as a significant aspect:

• Operational Controls: Develop an SOP for wastewater treatment, install filtration systems, and train employees.
• Monitoring and Measurement: Use flow meters, conduct weekly water quality tests, and log data for analysis.
• Evaluation: Review data to confirm compliance and address anomalies.

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.