How to set up an environmental audit program

An environmental audit (EA) program is a periodic, systematic and objective evaluation of a corporation's success in meeting environmental objectives, requirements, standards or criteria. Usually, the audits measure the degree that a corporation's operating entities conform to these criteria. Frequently, audit programs focus on the effectiveness of existing management systems and the assurance of continued compliance with environmental goals and objectives. Environmental auditing has become a standard and necessary component of a corporation's total environmental compliance and risk management strategy. An EA program can help a company proactively manage its environmental exposures. Result: avoidance and reduction of many unnecessary and costly risk and liabilities. Although basic auditing techniques are straight-forward, the challenge is in the design and application of EAs. These programs must fit an individual corporation's management goals and objectives. Most importantly, building an effective environmental auditing program demands careful and deliberate planning, implementation and follow-through to ensure success.