New Concepts in Environmental Auditing - The Application of Auditing Techniques to Environmental Management Systems

Abstract

The introduction of European and international standards and schemes for environmental management sytems (in particular the Eco Management and Audit Scheme - EMAS - and ISO 14001) has led to the latest development in a long history of environmental auditing. Perhaps of greatest significance is the fact that this development is introducing new qualifications and professionals into the field of environmental auditing. In many cases the new breed of `environmental auditors’ do not have either a technical environmental background or any substantial environmental management experience. What are the implications of these developments? Are we diluting `environmental expertise’ with this rapid growth in environment management systems (EMS) auditing, and the introduction of professionals from other fields of auditing? Is this good or bad news for the value and credibility of environmental management systems?