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CARICOM REGIONAL STANDARD
Environmental management systems for the tourism industry
DCRS 66: 202X
Caricom Regional Organisation for Standards and Quality, CROSQ 2nd Floor Baobab Tower Warrens, St Michael Barbados Telephone: 246-622-7677 Fax: 246-622-6778 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.crosq.org © CROSQ – All rights reserved. No part of this publication is to be reproduced without the prior written consent of CROSQ. ISBN XXXX-XXXX-XXX ICS xx.xxxx
AMENDMENTS ISSUED SINCE PUBLICATION
AMENDMENT NO.
DATE OF ISSUE TYPE OF AMENDMENT
NO. OF TEXT AFFECTED
TEXT AFFECTED
CRS XX: 201X
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ATTACHMENT PAGE FOR CRS AMENDMENT SHEETS
CRS XX: 201X
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Committee representation
This CARICOM Regional Standard was developed under the supervision of the Regional Technical Committee for Tourism and related services (RTC-6), hosted by the CARICOM Member States Barbados and Saint Lucia which at the time comprised the following members:
Members Representing
Nkechi Williams-Sanderson (Chairperson) Trinidad and Tobago Bureau of Standards
Anne-Margaret Adams Ministry of Tourism, Saint Lucia
Avanell DaSilva (alternate) Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Tourism Authority
Deanne Keating Campbell Tourism Product Development Company Limited, Jamaica
Fay Shantia Weatherill Ministry of Tourism, Antigua and Barbuda
Gem Reynolds (alternate) Antigua & Barbuda Bureau of Standards
Heinrich Anselm Dominica Bureau of Standards
Ira Isaacs-Henry Department of Health & Wellness, Saint Lucia
Jennifer Douglas-Bullock Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Bureau of Standards
Joan Leacock Caribbean Tourism Organization
Lana Harewood Barbados Tourism Product Authority
Lenny Ayuso-Cowo Belize Tourism Board
Lloyd Orellano (alternate) Belize Bureau of Standards
Loretto Duffy-Mayers (alternate) Private Interest, Barbados
Peter Lorde Virgen Inc, Saint Lucia
Videsha Munusami Suriname Standards Bureau
Yannicka Brown Trinidad & Tobago Bureau of Standards
Jilian Portland (Secretary Support Team) Saint Lucia Bureau of Standards
Renate Sealy (Technical Secretary) Barbados National Standards Institution
Tzarmallah Haynes-Joseph (Technical Secretary) Saint Lucia Bureau of Standard
CRS XX: 201X
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Contents Page
Foreword ................................................................................................................................................. 1
1 Scope .............................................................................................................................................. 2
2 Normative References .................................................................................................................... 2
3 Terms anddefinitions ..................................................................................................................... 2
4 Context of the organisation ............................................................................................................. 5
4.1 Needs and expectations of interested parties ............................................................................. 6
4.2 Scope of the environmental management system ...................................................................... 6
4.3 Environmental management systems (EMS) requirements ....................................................... 6
5 Leadership .................................................................................................................................... 6
5.1 Leadership and commitment ....................................................................................................... 6
5.2 Environmentalpolicy .................................................................................................................... 7
5.3 Structure and responsibility ......................................................................................................... 7
6 Planningandorganizing ................................................................................................................... 7
6.1 Actions to address risks and opportunities ................................................................................. 7
6.3 Compliance obligations ............................................................................................................. 10
6.4 Environmental objectives .......................................................................................................... 10
6.5 Environmental planning to achieve environmental objectives .................................................. 11
7 Support .......................................................................................................................................... 11
7.1 Resources ................................................................................................................................. 11
7.2 Training awareness and competence ....................................................................................... 11
7.3 Environmental committee .......................................................................................................... 12
7.4 Communication ......................................................................................................................... 12
7.5 Documentation oftheEMS ......................................................................................................... 13
8 Operation ....................................................................................................................................... 15
8.1 Operational planning andcontrol .............................................................................................. 15
8.2 Emergency preparedness and response .................................................................................. 15
9 Monitoring and measuring performance ....................................................................................... 16
9.1 General ...................................................................................................................................... 16
9.2 Environmentalmanagementsystem internal audit .................................................................... 17
9.3 Management review .................................................................................................................. 17
10 Improvement ............................................................................................................................. 18
10.1 Nonconformance and corrective and preventive action ............................................................ 18
10.2 Continuous improvement ............................................................................................................. 19
Annex A(informative)A basic approach to implementation of an EMS ................................................. 20
Annex B(informative)Guidelines for application of the standard ........................................................... 21
B.1 General requirements .................................................................................................................... 21
CRS XX: 201X
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B.3 Planning and organizing ................................................................................................................. 22
B.4 Implementation and operation ........................................................................................................ 24
B.5 Monitoring and measuring performance ......................................................................................... 26
B.6 Management review ....................................................................................................................... 27
Annex C(informative) Environmental management systems assessment questionnaire ..................... 28
Annex D(informative)Bibliography .......................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
1
Foreword
This CARICOM Regional Standard CRS XX:201X Environmental Management Systems for the tourism industry - Guidelines has been developed under the authority of the CARICOM Regional Organisation for Standards and Quality (CROSQ). It was approved as a CARICOM Regional Standard by the CARICOM Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED) at its xxth Meeting in MM YYYY.
This standard is intended to provide a basis for the development of an environmental management system and continual improvement in environmental performance within tourism establishments.
The tourism industry has the potential to negatively impact the environment on which it depends for survival and sustainability. An Environmental Management System (EMS) is a valuable tool for achieving and promoting sustainable tourism. By establishing an EMS, the organisation will be able to monitor and measure performance goals relating to water and energy consumption/conservation, reduce waste generation, reduce pollution of the environment, comply with legal requirements and generate savings/improvements in the business operation, among other things, all of which will contribute towards the continuous improvement of an environmentally sustainable tourism industry and development strategy.
This standard is one of a suite of seven (7) Hospitality, Health, Safety and Environmental (HSE) tourism
related Standards developed under the Regional Tourism and Health Programme (THP), established
by the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), in partnership with the Caribbean Tourism
Organization (CTO) and the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA):
1) CRS XX Environmental management systems for the tourism industry 2) CRS YY Water treatment, management and efficiency for the tourism industry 3) CRS XX Food safety and sanitation for the tourism industry 4) CRS XX Sewage treatment and management for the tourism industry 5) CRS XX Energy management and efficiency for the tourism industry 6) CRS XX Integrated pest management for the tourism industry 7) CRS XX Solid waste management for the tourism industry
Recognizing the Caribbean region’s reliance on the tourism industry, it's vulnerability to natural disasters, disease outbreaks/epidemics and deficiencies in environmental sanitation and food safety, the seven (7) standards constitute a set of preventive interventions to effectively address public health issues that impact local and visitor populations in the Caribbean and to support the region's efforts to remain competitive in the rapidly growing global tourism trade In developing this standard considerable assistance was derived from the following: Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) Tourism Accommodation: Health & Safety Technical Guide 2017 Quality Tourism for the Caribbean QTC 101:2001 Guidelines for Environmental Management Systems International Organization for Standardization ISO 14001:2015 Environmental Management Systems – Requirements with guidance for use ISO/TS 13811:2015 Tourism and related services – Guidelines on developing environmental specifications for accommodation establishments
EarthCheck
Company Standard Ver 4.0, 2018
CAST
Environmental Management Toolkit
Green Globe
Green Globe 21 Standard criteria
2
1 Scope
This CARICOM Regional Standard provides requirements for environmental management systems
(EMS) to enable tourism establishments to formulate a policy and objectives and minimum performance
requirements based on best environmental management practices. It is intended for establishments providing tourism related services that wish to implement and
maintain an EMS and demonstrate such conformance.
This standard does not apply to tourism organizations such as ministries, regulatory departments
and agencies, associations and statutory bodies that do not provide a tourism related service.
2 Normative References
The following references are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
There are no normative references.
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this standard, the following terms and definitions apply. 3.1 compliance obligations legal requirements and other requirements legal requirements that an organisation has to comply with and other requirements that an organisation has to or chooses to comply with NOTE Compliance obligations are related to the environmental management system. Compliance obligations can arise from mandatory requirements, such as applicable regulations, or voluntary commitments, organisational and industry standards, contractual relationships, codes of practice and agreements with community groups or non-governmental organisations.
3.2 conformity fulfilment of a requirement 3.3 continual improvement
recurring activity of enhancing the EMS, to achieve improvements in overall environmental
performance, not necessarily in all areas of activity simultaneously, but always in line with an
organisation's environmental policy
3.4 corrective action action to eliminate the cause of a nonconformity and to prevent recurrence NOTE There can be more than one cause for a nonconformity.
3.5
documented information
information required to be controlled and maintained by an organisation and the medium on which
it is contained
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NOTE Documented information can be in any format and media, and from any source.
Documented information can refer to:
— the environmental management system and related processes
— information created in order for the organisation to operate (can be referred to as
documentation)
— evidence of results achieves (can be referred to as records)
3.6 effectiveness extent to which planned activities are realized and planned results achieved
3.7 environment
surroundings in which a tourism establishment operates, including air, water, land, natural resources,
flora, fauna, humans and their interrelationships
NOTE Surroundings can extend from within an establishment to the local, regional and global system.
3.8 environmental aspect
any part of a tourism establishment's activities, products or services that interacts or can interact with
the environment, such as transport, energy consumption and waste
NOTE An environmental aspect can cause (an) environmental impact(s). A significant environmental aspect is one that has or can have one or more significant environmental impact(s).
3.9
environmental condition
state or characteristic of the environment as determined at a certain point in
time
3.10 environmental impact
any change to the environment, whether adverse or beneficial, wholly or partially resulting from an
organisation's environmental aspects (activities, products or services)
3.11
environmental management officer
an individual who is assigned responsibilities for overseeing the design and
implementation of an EMS, and who assesses compliance of the tourism establishment
relative to this standard and other environmental requirements
3.12 environmental management system EMS part of the overall management system used to manage environmental aspects ,fulfil compliance obligations , and address risks and opportunities
3.13
environmental management system audit
a systematic, independent and documented process to objectively obtain and evaluate evidence to
determine the extent to which an organisation's EMS conforms to the EMS audit criteria set by the
organisation, and communication of the results of this process to management
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NOTE1 An internal audit is conducted by the organisation itself, or by an external party on its behalf.
NOTE 2 An audit can be a combined audit (combining two or more disciplines).
NOTE 3 Independence can be demonstrated by the freedom from responsibility for the activity being audited
or freedom from bias and conflict of interest.
NOTE 4 “Audit evidence” consists of records, statements of fact or other information which are relevant to the
audit criteria and are verifiable; and “audit criteria” are the set of policies, procedures or requirements
3.14
environmental performance
performance related to the organisation's management of its environmental aspects
NOTE For an environmental management system, results can be measured against the organisation’s
environmental policy, environmental objectives or other criteria, using indicators.
3.15 environmental policy
intentions and direction of a tourism establishment related to environmental performance , as formally
expressed by its top management
3.16 interested party
person or organisation that can affect, be affected by, or perceive itself to be affected by
a decision or activity
EXAMPLE Customers, communities, suppliers, regulators, non-governmental organisations, investors and employees
3.17 monitoring determining the status of a system, a process or an activity NOTE To determine the status, there might be a need to check, supervise or critically observe.
3.18 measurement process to determine a value 3.19 nonconformity non-fulfilment of a requirement
3.20
objective
result to be achieved
NOTE 1 An objective can be strategic, tactical, or operational, can relate to different disciplines (such as
financial, health and safety, and environmental goals) and can apply at different levels (such as strategic,
organisation-wide, project, product, service and process.
NOTE 2 An objective can be expressed in other ways, e.g. intended outcome, purpose, environmental objective
or by the use of other words with similar meaning (e.g. aim, goal, or target).
3.20.1 environmental objective
objective set by the organisation consistent with its environmental policy performance
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measurable result 3.21 operations
the regular activities performed by a tourism business to support the maintenance of
facilities and equipment, and deliver customer services
3.22
prevention of pollution
use of processes, practices, techniques, materials, products, services or energy to avoid, reduce or
control the creation, emission or discharge of any type of pollutant or waste, in order to reduce
adverse environmental impacts
3.23
risk
effect of uncertainty
the chance of an occurrence that will have either a positive or negative impact, environmentally,
ecologically or socially.
3.23.1
environmental risk
the potential for ecological harm or adverse environmental impact to the natural, social and
cultural environment as a result of the activities undertaken by, or in the presence of, a tourism
establishment
3.24
risk assessment
the systematic process of understanding the nature and level of risk in order to prevent, minimise
and/or mitigate
3.25
top management
organisational leadership
person or group of people who directs and controls a tourism organisation at the highest level
NOTE 1 Top management has the power to delegate authority and provide resources within the
establishment.
NOTE 2 If the scope of the organisational structure covers only part of an establishment, then top
management refers to those who direct and control that part of the establishment.
NOTE 3 This constitutes one of the common terms and core definitions of the high level structure for ISO
management system standards. The original definition has been modified by adding “establishmental
leadership” as an admitted term.
3.26 tourism establishment tourism facility
Organisation that provides tourism related services
4 Context of the organisation
The tourism establishment shall undertake a review to identify all internal and external issues which are
relevant to the establishment’s operations and affect its ability to achieve the intended outcomes of its
environmental management system thereby establishing the context of the organisation.
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4.1 Needs and expectations of interested parties The tourism establishment shall undertake a review to identify interested parties/stakeholders, to understand their needs and expectations (such as requirements) and which of these needs and expectations, if any, will be adopted as a compliance obligations.
4.2 Scope of the environmental management system
The tourism establishment shall determine the boundaries and applicability of the environmental
management system to establish its scope considering:
a) the external and internal issues;
b) the compliance obligations;
c) its organisational units, functions and physical boundaries;
d) its activities, products and services;
e) its authority and ability to exercise control and influence.
The scope shall be maintained as documented information and be available to
interested parties.
4.3 Environmental management systems(EMS) requirements
To achieve its intended outcomes including improving its environmental performance, a tourism
establishment shall establish, implement, maintain and continually improve an environmental
management system, the requirements of which are described in this standard, see Annex A.
5 Leadership
5.1 Leadership and commitment
Top management shall demonstrate leadership and commitment with respect to the environmental
management system by:
a) taking accountability for the effectiveness of the system;
b) ensuring that the environmental policy and environmental objectives are established and are
compatible with the strategic direction and the context of the organisation;
c) ensuring the integration of the environmental management system requirements into the
tourism establishment’s business processes;
d) ensuring resources needed for the system are available;
e) communicating the importance of effective environmental management and of conforming to the
environmental management system requirements;
f) ensuring that the environmental management system achieves its intended outcomes;
g) directing and supporting persons to contribute to the effectiveness of the environmental
management system;
h) promoting continual improvement;
i) supporting other relevant management roles to demonstrate their leadership as it applies to their
areas of responsibility.
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5.2 Environmental policy
Top management of the tourism establishment shall establish, implement and maintain its
environmental policy and ensure that it: a) is appropriate to the purpose and context of the organisation including the nature, scale, scope
and environmental impacts of its activities, products and services; b) provides a framework for setting and reviewing environmental objectives; c) includes a commitment to:
1) continual improvement of the environmental management system to enhance environmental performance;
2) pollution prevention and resource efficiency;
3) to protect the environment;
EXAMPLE Water quality, energy efficiency, recycling, air quality, climate change mitigation,
biodiversity protection, etc.
4) monitor and evaluate environmental and socioeconomic impacts;
5) comply with relevant environmental legislation and regulations and with other requirements
to which the facility and industry subscribes; d) is documented, implemented, reviewed and maintained;
e) is communicated within the organisation; and f) is available to interested parties.
5.3 Structure and responsibility
Top management of the tourism establishment shall define roles, responsibilities and authorities, and
this shall be documented and communicated to enable effective environmental management. Top management shall assign an environmental management officer who, irrespective of other responsibilities, shall have defined roles, responsibilities and authority for: a) ensuring that the environmental management system requirements are established, implemented
and maintained; and
b) reporting on performance of the environmental management system to the top management to
enable review that will provide a basis for improvement.
The tourism establishment shall provide resources including human resources and specialized skills,
technology, finance and information essential to the implementation and control of the environmental
management system. A scheme for the provision of incentives to personnel should be established to
reward staff for meeting responsibilities to enable compliance with EMS requirements.
6 Planning and organizing
6.1 Actions to address risks and opportunities The tourism establishment shall consider its context, scope of the environmental management system
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and needs of interested parties and determine the risks and opportunities that need to be addressed, related to its environmental aspects, compliance obligations, other issues, including environmental conditions or other needs and expectations of interested parties. The establishment shall assess all actual and/or potential risks (environmental, social and cultural) in relation to the organisation’s scope identified by way of a documented Risk Assessment. During risk assessment, the tourism establishment shall: a) determine potential emergency situations, including those that can have an environmental social
and/or cultural impact; b) consider the likelihood and severity of potential impacts including the ability to prevent and/or
mitigate impacts should they arise; and
c) seek the views of internal and external key stakeholders. Risk Assessment shall be reviewed and updated annually or as necessary by a competent authority. The establishment shall maintain documented information of its: a) risks and opportunities that need to be addressed; and
b) process(es) needed in 6.2 to 6.5, to the extent necessary to have confidence they are carried out
as planned.
NOTE Guidance can be sourced from ISO 31000 Risk Management – Guidelines.
6.2 Environmental aspects
The tourism establishment shall establish and maintain procedure(s) to identify the environmental
aspects of its activities, and products and services that it can control and over which it can be expected
to have an influence, in order to determine those which have or can have significant impacts on the
environment. This information shall be kept up to date. All the aspects related to these significant impacts
shall be considered in setting objectives.
When determining environmental aspects, the tourism establishment shall take into account:
a) change, including planned or new developments, and new or modified activities, products and
services; and
b) abnormal conditions and reasonably foreseeable emergency situations.
The tourism establishment shall determine those aspects that have or can have a significant
environmental impact, i.e. significant environmental aspects, by using established criteria.
The tourism establishment shall maintain documented information of its:
a) environmental aspects and associated environmental impacts; and
b) criteria used to determine its significance.
Particular attention shall be paid to the specific areas listed below:
a) gaseous emissions and air quality- greenhouse gas emissions; shall be measured from all
sources, and controlled by the establishment, and reduce use of ozone-depleting
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substances to mitigate and offset them as a way to minimize climate change and air pollution in accordance with applicable regional regulations;
b) water conservation and efficiency - water consumption shall be measured, sources indicated, and measures to decrease overall consumption shall be adopted. NOTE See CRS XX Water treatment, management and efficiency for the tourism industry
c) energy conservation and efficiency - energy consumption shall be measured, sources indicated, and measures to decrease overall consumption shall be adopted, while encouraging the use of renewable energy. NOTE See CRS XX Energy management and efficiency for the tourism industry
d) waste water management and effluent discharges - wastewater, shall be treated effectively in a manner which will cause the least ecological harm and reused where possible. NOTE See CRS XX Sewage treatment and management for the tourism industry
e) solid waste management - the establishment shall develop a solid waste management plan in order to minimise the production of any solid waste including hazardous waste and ensure disposal will not have an adverse environmental impact. NOTE See CRS XX Solid waste management for the tourism industry
f) waste management- a waste management plan shall be implemented, with quantitative goals to
minimize waste that is not reused or recycled; NOTE See CRS XX Water treatment, management and efficiency for the tourism industry
g) use of raw materials and natural resources;
h) handling, storage and disposal of hazardous materials - the use of harmful substances,
including pesticides, paints, swimming pool disinfectants, and cleaning materials, is
minimized; substituted, when available, by innocuous products; and all chemical use is
properly managed.
i) transportation management - ensure maintenance, refurbishment, replacement and construction materials, vehicles, vessels and equipment are chosen for their eco-efficiency and that their use is sustainable;
j) land use and facility siting and construction – the tourism establishment shall comply
with local land acquisition and land rights legislation and local zoning and protected or
heritage area requirements;
k) importation of exotic plants and animals shall be monitored and regulated in accordance with regional legislation;
l) wildlife protection and habitat - any interaction with wildlife does not involve any adverse effects and does not affect the viability of populations. Wildlife species shall only be harvested from the wild, consumed, displayed, sold, or internationally traded, as part of a regulated activity that ensures that their utilization is sustainable;
m) the tourism establishment shall implement practices to reduce nuisances from noise, light, runoff, erosion, air, water pollution and land contaminants;
n) interaction with local communities and their people - the tourism establishment shall follow
established visitor management guidelines or a code of conduct for visits to culturally or
historically sensitive sites, in order to minimize visitor impact and maximize their experience;
o) purchasing procedures – purchasing policy shall favour environmentally friendly products for
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building materials, capital goods, food, and consumables; the tourism establishment shall support procurement of local food, goods, energy efficient equipment, sustainable energy, other consumables and services that meet minimum requirements;
p) contracted services from suppliers and contractors shall meet minimum requirements of
policies and procedures;
q) socio-economic practices - the tourism establishment shall support employment of persons
living in nearby communities, local businesses, initiatives for social and infrastructure
community development and ensure that activities of the tourism establishment do not
jeopardize the provision of basic services, such as water, energy, or sanitation, to neighboring
communities; and
r) management of environmentally harmful substances - the tourism establishment and supplier
shall identify, store, distribute, transport, dispose of and use harmful substances in a manner
which minimises the risks of ecological harm and is in accordance with local regulations or
international standards.
6.3 Compliance obligations
The tourism establishment shall:
a) determine and have access to the compliance obligations related to its environmental aspects;
b) determine how these compliance obligations apply to the tourism establishment; and
c) take these compliance obligations into account when establishing, implementing, maintaining and
continually improving its environmental management system.
The tourism establishment shall maintain documented information of its compliance obligations. There
shall be an established and maintained procedure to ensure compliance with legal, industry, and other
requirements to which the tourism establishment subscribes, that are applicable to the environmental
aspects of its activities, products or services.
The tourism establishment shall record all applicable regulatory requirements in the form of a legislation
register and include copies of current permits, licences and agreements.
Where there is no relevant legislation to which the tourism establishment must adhere, the tourism
establishment shall adopt international standards or recognised best practice.
NOTE Compliance obligations may include health, safety, labour, social and environmental regulations. Other
requirements may include agreements with public authorities and non-regulatory guidelines. This includes but is
not limited to; areas such as heritage and archaeological sites and attractions where applicable.
6.4 Environmental objectives
The tourism establishment shall establish and maintain documented environmental objectives and
targets, at each relevant function and level within the business entity, appropriate to the size of the
business and scale of its operations.
Consideration shall be given to compliance obligations (legal, industrial and other requirements),
significant environmental aspects, risks and opportunities, technological options as well as financial,
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operational and business requirements. Additionally, the views of interested parties in establishing
and reviewing these objectives shall be sought.
The objectives shall be specific, consistent with the environmental policy, measurable wherever
practicable, monitored, communicated, updated as appropriate and where appropriate, preventative
measures shall be considered.
6.5 Environmental planning to achieve environmental objectives
The tourism establishment shall establish and maintain (a) procedure(s) for achieving its objectives.
It shall include the following: a) an assessment of the opportunity for improving performance across all identified environmental
aspects;
b) identify what resources will be required; c) defining specific actions that are expected to lead to achieving improvements; d) assignment of responsibility at each relevant function and level to perform the actions; e) establishment of the time frame by which they are to be achieved; and
f) define how the results will be evaluated including indicators to monitor progress.
7 Support
7.1 Resources The tourism establishment shall determine and provide the resources needed for the establishment, implementation, maintenance and continual improvement of the environmental management system.
7.2 Training awareness and competence The tourism establishment shall:
a) determine the necessary competence of person(s) doing work under its control that affects its environmental performance and its ability to fulfil its compliance obligations;
b) ensure that these persons are competent on the basis of appropriate education, training or experience;
c) determine training needs associated with its environmental aspects and its environmental management system;
d) where applicable, take actions to acquire the necessary competence, and evaluate the effectiveness of the actions taken; and
e) retain documented evidence of competence.
NOTE Actions can include, for example, the provision of training to, the mentoring of, or the reassignment of
currently employed persons; or the hiring or contracting of competent persons.
Procedures shall be established and maintained to ensure that all employees are aware of: a) the environmental policy;
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b) the importance of conformance with the requirements of the environmental management system
including policy and procedures;
c) their roles and responsibilities in achieving such conformance; including emergency preparedness, response and recovery;
d) their contribution to the effectiveness of the environmental management system; e) the significant environmental aspects and related actual or potential environmental impacts of their
work activities and the environmental benefits of improved personal performance;
f) the potential consequences/implications of not conforming with specified operating procedures and with environmental management system requirements including compliance obligations; and
g) the benefits of sound environmental management practices to the wider community.
Personnel performing the tasks which can cause significant environmental impacts shall be competent
on the basis of appropriate education, training and/or experience.
7.3 Environmental committee There shall be an established environmental committee or designated personnel from the tourism establishment to assist with the following actions: a) general awareness raising activities;
b) the review of environmental regulatory requirements;
c) reviewing voluntary compliance programmes that have been developed by government;
d) supervising and training staff and contractors in the implementation of planned actions;
e) evaluating and adopting cost-effective initiatives, and facilitating recognition and reward of in-house
personnel suggesting new initiatives; and
f) championing the cause of environmental management outside the facility at the public level. The committee or designated personnel shall have the knowledge and authority to design, implement monitor and evaluate the results of the above actions taken within the tourism establishment. NOTE The committee or designated personnel may comprise of persons from management, maintenance, housekeeping, etc.
7.4 Communication 7.4.1 General
In relation to its environmental aspects and environmental management system, the tourism
establishment shall establish and maintain procedures or plans for internal communication and
receiving, documenting and responding to relevant communication from external interested parties
including:
a) what it will communicate;
b) when to communicate;
c) with whom to communicate; and
d) how to communicate.
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When establishing its communication process (es), the tourism establishment shall:
a) consider its compliance obligations;
b) ensure that environmental information communicated is consistent with information generated
within the environmental management system, and is reliable.
7.4.2 Internal Communication
The establishment shall:
a) internally communicate information relevant to the environmental management system
between various levels and functions of the establishment, including changes to the
environmental management system;
b) ensure that the communication processes enable persons doing work to contribute to
continual improvement.
7.4.3 External Communication
The tourism establishment shall externally communicate information relevant to the environmental management system, as established by the tourism establishment’s communication process(es) and as required by its compliance obligations. The tourism establishment’s public information (including promotional materials) shall be accurate and complete and not promise more than can be delivered. Consideration shall be given to the process for external communication on significant environmental
aspects and this shall be documented.
The tourism establishment shall retain documented evidence of its communication, as appropriate.
7.5 Documentation of the EMS
7.5.1 General
The tourism establishment shall establish and maintain documented information:
a) to describe the core elements of the management system and how they relate;
b) to provide information to related documentation of the plans, implementation, results and
internal and external evaluation of the EMS; and
c) as necessary for the effectiveness of the system
NOTE The extent of documented information for an environmental management system can differ from one
tourism establishment to another based on the size of tourism establishment and its type of activities,
processes, products and services; its compliance obligations; how complex its processes are and the
competence of persons doing work under the tourism establishment’s control. 7.5.2 Creating and updating documents When creating and updating documented information, there shall be appropriate: a) identification and description;
EXAMPLE A title, date, author, or reference number.
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b) format; and EXAMPLE Language, software version, graphics.
c) review and approval for suitability and accuracy. 7.5.3 Control of documented information
The tourism establishment shall establish and maintain procedures for controlling all documents
required by the standard to ensure that:
a) they are retrievable and available for use where and when needed;
b) they are adequately protected; EXAMPLE Loss of confidentiality, improper use, or loss of integrity.
c) they are periodically reviewed, revised as necessary and approved only by authorised personnel;
d) changes are communicated to individuals responsible for the EMS;
e) only current versions of relevant documents are available at appropriate locations;
f) obsolete documents are promptly removed from points of issue and use, or otherwise assured
against unintended use; and
g) obsolete documents retained are appropriately identified.
Documentation shall be legible, dated, and readily identifiable, well maintained and retained for a
specified period.
For the control of documented information, the tourism establishment shall address the following
activities as applicable:
a) distribution, access, retrieval and use;
b) protection, storage and preservation, including preservation of legibility;
c) control of changes; and
EXAMPLE Version control;
d) retention and disposition.
Documented information of external origin such as compliance regulations shall be identified, as
appropriate, and controlled.
7.5.4 Record keeping Records shall be maintained as appropriate to the system and facility, to demonstrate conformance
to the environmental management system. The facility management shall establish and maintain procedures for the identification, maintenance
and is position of environmental records including training, audit and reviews. Records shall be legible and traceable to the activity, product or service involved, readily retrievable
and protected against damage, deterioration or loss. Retention times shall be established and
documented in compliance with applicable regulatory requirements.
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8 Operation
8.1 Operational planning and control
The tourism establishment shall identify those operations and activities that are associated with the
environmental management system and ensure that they are carried out under specified conditions
including:
a) establishing and maintaining documented procedures to include situations where their absence
could lead to deviations; b) stipulating operating criteria in the procedures for the processes; c) implementing control of the process(es), in accordance with the operating criteria;
d) establishing and maintaining procedures related to the identifiable significant environmental
aspects of goods and services used by the facility and informing suppliers and contractors of
relevant procedures and requirements. NOTE Controls can include engineering controls and procedures. The tourism establishment shall control planned changes and outsourced processes. Consistent with a life cycle perspective, the tourism establishment shall: a) establish controls to ensure that its environmental requirement(s) is (are) addressed in the design
and development process for the product or service, considering each life cycle stage;
b) determine its environmental requirement(s) when procuring products and services;
c) communicate its relevant environmental requirement(s) to external providers, including contractors;
d) consider the need to provide information about potential significant environmental impacts associated with the transportation or delivery, use, end-of-life treatment and final disposal of its products and services.
NOTE The life cycle stages are consecutive stages of a product or service and include acquisition of raw materials, design, production, transportation/delivery, use, and final disposal. The tourism establishment shall maintain documented information as evidence that processes have been carried out as planned.
8.2 Emergency preparedness, response and recovery
The tourism establishment shall establish and maintain procedures to:
a) identify the potential for response and recovery to accidents and emergency situations; and
b) prevent and mitigate the consequences of the situation. Such procedures and response actions shall be periodically tested (e.g. emergency drills) where
practicable and shall also be reviewed and revised as appropriate especially after the occurrence of
emergency situations.
The tourism establishment shall provide relevant information and training related to emergency
preparedness, response and recovery, as appropriate, to relevant interested parties, including persons
working under its control.
Consideration shall be given to procedures for responses/adaptations to the following emergency
situations:
16
a) fire;
b) storms and hurricanes;
c) earthquakes;
d) foodbourne illnesses;
e) water contamination/pollution;
f) accidents;
g) chemical misuse and spills;
h) air pollution;
i) interruptions of electricity, water supply, sewerage or sanitation services; and
j) hazardous waste pollution/contamination;
k) infectious diseases.
The tourism establishment shall maintain documented information as evidence that
process(es) is (are) carried out as planned.
9 Monitoring and evaluating performance
9.1 General
The tourism establishment shall establish and maintain procedures to monitor and measure on a
regular basis, the major characteristics of its operations and activities that can have a significant impact
on the environment. Information shall be recorded to track performance, operational controls and
conformance with objectives and targets.
The tourism establishment shall determine:
a) what shall be monitored;
b) methods for monitoring, measurement, analysis and evaluation, as applicable, to ensure valid
results;
c) the criteria against which the tourism establishment will evaluate its environmental performance;
d) appropriate indicators;
e) when the monitoring and measuring will be performed; and
f) when the results from monitoring and measurement will be analysed and evaluated. Equipment for monitoring shall be well maintained and calibrated where relevant. Records of maintenance and calibration checks shall be kept as per defined procedures. There shall be established and maintained a documented procedure for periodic evaluation for
compliance with relevant environmental legislation and reguIations. The tourism establishment shall communicate its performance internally and externally as defined in its communication process and if required by its compliance obligations.
17
The tourism establishment shall retain appropriate documentation on monitoring and evaluation activities.
9.2 Environmental management system internal audit Management of the tourism establishment shall establish and maintain (a) programme(s) and
procedures for environmental management system internal audits to be carried out at planned
intervals, in order to: a) determine whether or not the environmental management system
1) conforms to planned arrangements for environmental management including the
requirements of the standard;
2) has been effectively implemented and maintained; and
3) results have achieved objectives
b) determine whether the policies, objectives and targets need to be modified; and
c) provide information on the results of environmental management system audits to owners and
management.
An audit programme, shall be established and based on the environmental importance of the
activity concerned, changes affecting the tourism establishment and the results of previous audits. The audit procedures shall at least cover the audit scope, frequency and methodologies, as well as
the responsibilities and planning requirements for conducting audits and reporting results. The
tourism establishment shall:
a) define the audit criteria and scope for each audit;
b) select auditors and conduct audits to ensure objectivity and the impartiality of the audit process; and
c) ensure that the results of the audits are reported to relevant management.
An assessment questionnaire given in Annex C shall be used by the tourism establishment to
determine its environmental performance against the requirements of the standard.
The tourism establishment shall retain documented information as evidence of the implementation of the audit programme and the audit results.
9.3 Management review Top management shall, at determined intervals (with a minimum of every six months), review the
environmental management system, to ensure: a) it’s continuing suitability;
b) adequacy; and
c) effectiveness. The management review shall include consideration of: a) the status of actions from previous management reviews; b) changes in:
1) external and internal issues that are relevant to the environmental management system; 2) the needs and expectations of interested parties, including compliance obligations; 3) its significant environmental aspects; 4) risks and opportunities;
18
c) the extent to which environmental objectives have been achieved; d) information on the establishment’s environmental performance, including trends in:
1) nonconformities and corrective actions; 2) monitoring and evaluation of results; 3) fulfilment of its compliance obligations; 4) audit results;
e) adequacy of resources;
f) relevant communication(s) from interested parties, including complaints;
g) opportunities for continual improvements. The review shall be documented and shall address any need for changes in policy, objectives and
other elements of the system, based on audit results, changing circumstances and the commitment
to continual improvement.
The outputs of the management review shall include: a) conclusions on the continuing suitability, adequacy and effectiveness of the environmental
management system;
b) decisions related to continual improvement opportunities;
c) decisions related to any need for changes to the environmental management system, including resources;
d) actions, if needed, when environmental objectives have not been achieved;
e) opportunities to improve integration of the environmental management system with other business processes, if needed;
f) any implications for the strategic direction of the establishment.
10 Improvement
10.1 Nonconformance and corrective and preventative action Responsibility and authority shall be defined by top management, based on procedural guidelines,
for handling and investigating nonconformance, taking action to mitigate any impacts caused and
for initiating and completing corrective and preventative action.
The tourism establishment shall establish a documented procedure for dealing with non-conformity
and take appropriate corrective and preventative action to meet conformity requirements.
When a nonconformity occurs, the tourism establishment shall: a) react to the nonconformity and, as applicable:
1) take action to control and correct it;
2) deal with the consequences, including mitigating adverse environmental impacts;
b) evaluate the need for action to eliminate the causes of the nonconformity, in order that it does not recur or occur elsewhere, by:
19
1) reviewing the nonconformity;
2) determining the causes of the nonconformity; 3) determining if similar nonconformities exist, or could potentially occur;
c) implement any action needed;
d) review the effectiveness of any corrective action taken; and
e) make changes to the system, if necessary. Corrective and preventative action shall be appropriate to the magnitude of problems and adequate
to deal with the environmental impact encountered. There shall be provisions to implement and record any changes in documented procedures
resulting from corrective and preventative action.
Documented information shall be retained as evidence of: a) the nature of the nonconformities and any subsequent actions taken;
b) the results of any corrective action.
10.2 Continual improvement
The tourism establishment shall continually improve the suitability, adequacy and effectiveness of the environmental management system to enhance environmental performance.
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Annex A
(informative)
A basic approach to implementation of an EMS
Figure A.1 illustrates a basic approach that can be used to develop and implement an environmental
management system.
Figure A.1 Outline of a basic approach to implementing an environmental management system
Ensure that the system meets the required
standard
Conduct an environmental
review
Define and document
environmental policy
Designate staff to take
responsibility for
environmental management
Identify environmental
aspects
List applicabale environmental
laws and compliance obligations
Define and document an environmental actionplan to
achieve objectives
Set targets to reduce
environmental impacts
Demonstrate policy
compliance and acheievement of objectives
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Annex B (informative)
Guidelines for application of the standard
This annex gives additional information on the requirements and is intended to avoid misinterpretation
of the standard.
B.1General requirements
It is intended that the implementation of an environmental management system described by the
specification will result in improved environmental performance of a tourism business. It is based on the
view that a tourism business/facility will implement an environmental management system and
periodically review and evaluate it in order to identify opportunities for improvement. Improvements in
the system are expected to result in further advancement in environmental performance.
The environmental management system should be used as a tool which enables the tourism business
to achieve and control the level of performance it set itself in the area of environmental management.
The establishment and operation of an environmental management system will not, in itself, necessarily
result in an immediate reduction of adverse environmental impact. The level of detail of the system and
the resources allocated to it will be dependent on the size and structure of the tourism business, and
the nature of its activities.
It is necessary to include environmental matters into the overall management system of the tourism
business as this can contribute to the effective implementation of the environmental management
system. Use of the environmental management system will enable the facility to:
a) establish a suitable environmental policy;
b) identify its activities and products that impact on the environment in a significant way;
c) identify and follow relevant legislation, regulatory requirements and other codes which address environmental management and best practices;
d) identify priorities and set appropriate objectives and targets;
e) establish a structure and programme(s) to implement the policy and achieve objectives and targets;
f) plan, control and monitor all activities that may affect its environmental performance and take
corrective action when necessary to ensure compliance with the policy and making changes to the
system.
B.2 Environmental policy
The environmental policy is the vehicle for implementing and improving the environmental management
system to enable improvement in environmental performance. It is critical therefore that the policy
reflects the commitment by top management to compliance to applicable regulations and best practices
and to continual improvement. The policy should be sufficiently clear to enable the setting of objectives
and targets and to be understood by all internal and external interested parties.
In general the policy should reflect the following:
a) commitment to pollution prevention and environmental protection;
b) commitment to observe all relevant legal requirements, industry guides and best practice with
22
regard to environmental management;
c) commitment to identify significant environmental aspects and implement effective control and monitoring systems - specific areas to focus on may include:
1) energy consumption, 2) water consumption 3) transport 4) solid waste production 5) air pollution (emissions to air} 6) water pollution (discharges to water courses drains and sewers) 7) noise aspects associated with activities at the facility 8) land condition (dereliction and land should, where relevant, consider broadly
contamination) 9) resource and material consumption 10) use of chemicals and hazardous chemicals
d) waste management;
e) requirement for management and protection of natural habitats, open space, countryside and landscape;
f) provisions for the built environment; and
g) environmental health and safety at work and food quality and safety
B.3 Planning and organizing
B.3.1 Environmental aspects
The requirement here is intended to provide a process for a tourism business to identify significant
environmental aspects that should be addressed as a matter of priority by the environmental
management system. These aspects should be determined taking into account the inputs and outputs
associated with its activities, products and services.
A tourism business with no existing environmental management system should undertake a review of
its status with regard to the environment. This would provide a basis and identify areas to be addressed
in the environmental management system. The review should reflect on:
a) an examination of all existing environment management practices and procedures;
b) adherence to legislation, regulations;
c) identification of significant environmental aspects; and
d) an evaluation of feedback from the investigation of previous incidents.
The identification of significant environmental aspects associated with activities at the facility should,
where relevant, consider broadly
a) emissions to air;
b) releases to water;
c) waste management;
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d) contamination of land;
e) use of raw materials and natural resources;
f) foreseeable emergency situations; and
g) activities of suppliers and contractors.
A suitable approach to the review may include information and education (staff checklists,
interviews, direct inspection and training), measurement, and results of previous assessments.
B.3.2 Legal and other requirements
Other requirements may include
a) industry codes of practice;
b) agreements with public authorities;
c) non-regulatory guidelines.
B.3.3 Objectives and targets
Objectives should be specific and targets should be measurable wherever practicable and where
appropriate, take preventive measures into account. When considering technological options, the use
of best available technology where economically viable, cost-effective and judged appropriate should
be considered.
The review should be used to guide the setting and prioritising of objectives and targets which should
be consistent with the policy. Objectives and targets should be prioritised based on;
a) importance of particular environmental issues;
b) legislative compliance;
c) industry guides;
d) existing operational, financial and business objectives;
e) ease of implementation;
f) established groundwork.
Objectives and targets may cover areas such as those specified in clause 3.3.1 of the standard.
B.3.4 Environmental planning
The creation and use of one or more programmes is a key element to the successful implementation of
the environmental management system.
The programme should describe how the facility's targets and objectives will be achieved, including
time-scales and personnel responsible for implementing the environmental policy. The programme may
be subdivided to address specific elements of the facility's operations.
The programme may include, where appropriate and practical, consideration of planning, design,
production/construction, marketing and service and disposal of material as appropriate.
24
B.4 Implementation and operation
B.4.1 Structure and responsibility
The successful implementation of the environmental management system requires a commitment from
all who are directly or indirectly involved. Environmental activities should not be seen as confined only
to the environmental function as other areas such as purchasing, stores, housekeeping, food and
beverage and maintenance among others do impact on environmental management issues.
The commitment should begin at the highest levels of management. Top management should establish
the environmental policy and ensure that the environmental management system is implemented. As
part of this commitment, the top management should designate a specific management
representative(s) for implementing the environmental management system. Top management should
also ensure that appropriate resources are provided to ensure that the environmental management
system is implemented and maintained. It is also important that key environmental management
responsibilities are well defined and communicated to relevant personnel.
B.4.2 Training and awareness
Procedures should be established and maintained for identifying training needs. This could be based
on:
a) areas of individual responsibility and challenging nature of job specifications;
b) employees development over time and their interest/motivations;
c) development of the environmental management system;
d) development of the establishments policy, objectives and targets;
e) perceptions on importance of environmental management;
f) knowledge of significant environmental impacts and associated hazards;
g) past training/experience;
h) need for staff orientation;
i) the need to establish green teams and other such committees;
j) what is realistically achievable.
The tourism business should also require that contractors working on its behalf are able to demonstrate
that their employees have the requisite training.
Management should determine the level of experience, competence and training necessary to ensure
the capability of personnel, especially those carrying out specialized environmental management
functions.
B. 4. 3 Communication
The tourism business should implement a procedure for receiving, documenting and responding to
relevant information and requests from interested parties. This procedure may include a dialogue with
interested parties and consideration of the relevant concerns. Interested parties may include suppliers,
guests, regulators and staff. In some instances responses may include relevant information about the
activities, procedures and specifications relevant to its environmental management programmes. These
25
procedures should also address necessary communications with public authorities regarding relevant
issues.
B. 4. 4 Documentation of the EMS
The level of detail of documentation should be sufficient to describe the main elements of the
environmental management system and their interaction. It should also provide direction on where to
obtain more detailed information on the operation of specific parts of the environmental management
system. This documentation may be integrated with documentation of other systems. It does not have
to be in the form of a single manual although this would be useful for ease of reference.
Related documentation may include:
a) establishmental charts;
b) purchasing specifications;
c) listing and information on suppliers;
d) site plan showing position of utilities;
e) internal standards and operational procedures;
f) site emergency plans.
The intention of document control is to ensure that establishments create and maintain documents in a
manner sufficient to implement the environmental management system. However, the primary focus
should be on the effective implementation of the environmental management system and on
environmental performance and not on a complex documentation control system.
B.4.5 Operational control
There should be clear procedures and instructions for operational control to enable all activities that
impact on the environment to be carried out under the appropriate conditions thus demonstrating a
commitment to improving the environmental performance of the tourism business.
B.4.6 Emergency preparedness response and recovery
Management should be aware of all possible emergency situations that may arise with respect to the
impact of its and other natural events on the environment and have procedures in place to deal with
these situations. A person or persons should be designated to have responsibility to coordinate
responses to these situations. There should also be resources in place with an additional financial
allocation for resources that may be needed based on the extent and nature of the emergency situation.
Examples of situations and procedures are outlined in the table below.
Situation Example of procedure Fire building evacuation
Storms and hurricane warning notices and shelters
Food bourne illnesses outbreak investigation
Accidents access to medical treatment
Temporary loss of utilities (e.g. water) availability of potable water
Chemical misuse and spills treatment and prevention of harm to guest and staff
26
B.5 Monitoring and evaluating performance
Monitoring and measuring of critical activities that impact on effective environmental management is
meant to provide the basis to improve environmental performance and as much as possible to eliminate
or prevent problems. Specific procedures, including what is to be checked, a schedule, who is
responsible, reporting of problems, equipment for monitoring and measuring, and record keeping are
all critical.
B.5.1 Nonconformance and corrective and preventative action
In establishing and maintaining procedures for investigating and correcting nonconformance, the
tourism business should include these basic elements:
a) identifying the cause of the nonconformance;
b) identifying and implementing the necessary corrective action;
c) implementing or modifying controls necessary to avoid repetition of the nonconformance/problem;
d) recording any changes in written procedures resulting from the corrective action.
Depending on the situation, this may be accomplished rapidly and with a minimum of formal planning
or it may be a more complex and long-term activity. The level of documentation should be appropriate
to the level of corrective action.
B.5.2 Record keeping
Procedures for identification, maintenance and disposition of records should focus on those records
needed for the implementation and operation of the environmental management system. Records for
checking the extent to which planned objectives and targets have been met are also critical.
Environmental records may include:
a) information on applicable environmental, regulations and codes of practice;
b) training records;
c) product/raw material/processed material information;
d) process information;
e) inspection, maintenance and calibration records;
f) complaint records;
g) pertinent supplier and contractor information;
h) incident reports;
i) information on emergency preparedness and response;
j) information on significant environmental aspects and related procedures/activities;
k) audit results; and
l) management reviews.
27
Proper account should be taken of confidential business information.
B.5.3 Environmental management system audit
The audit programme and procedures should cover
a) the activities and areas to be considered in audits;
b) the frequency of audits;
c) the responsibilities associated with managing and conducting audits;
d) the communication of audit results;
e) auditor competence; and
f) how audits will be conducted.
B.6 Management review
In order to maintain continual improvement, suitability and effectiveness of the environmental
management system, and hence its performance, the tourism business should review and evaluate the
environmental management system at defined intervals. The scope of the review should be
comprehensive, though not all elements of the environmental management system need to be reviewed
at once and the review process may take place over a period of time.
The review of the policy, objectives and procedures should be carried out by the level of management
that defined them.
Reviews should include:
a) results from audits;
b) the extent to which objectives and targets have been met;
c) the continuing suitability of the environmental management system in relation to changing conditions and information; and
d) concerns amongst relevant interested parties.
Observations, conclusions and recommendations should be documented for necessary action.
28
Annex C (normative)
Environmental management systems assessment questionnaire
The requirements specified in the questionnaire below shall be used for the basis of conducting
internal audits of the tourism establishment's environmental management programme.
Table C.1 – Environmental management systems assessment questionnaire
Q Clause Requirement Score
General requirements
1 Has the facility established and maintained an EMS?
YES/ NO
2 Has the facility determined its baseline performance for environmental management?
4 3 2 1 0
Environmental policy
3 Is there a defined, documented and implemented environmental policy?
4 3 2 1 0
4 Does the policy include the following elements?
• Provides the basis to set objectives and targets
4 3 2 1 0
• Relevant to the activities, products and services offered
4 3 2 1 0
Commit the establishment to pollution prevention
4 3 2 1 0
• Available to the public
4 3 2 1 0
• Defined by top management
4 3 2 1 0
• Commitment to comply with all laws and regulations
4 3 2 1 0
Planning and organizing
5
Environmental aspects
Are there procedures to identify and assess environmental aspects and the significance of your activities, products and services?
4 3 2 1 0
Have you determined which aspects have significant impacts?
4 3 2 1 0
6 Compliance obligations /legal, industry and other requirements
Are there procedures for identifying legal, industry and other requirements which applies to what you do?
4 3 2 1 0
7 Objectives and targets
Are there defined environmental objectives and targets?
4 3 2 1 0
29
Did the objectives consider; • Significant environmental impacts • Legal, regulatory and industry requirements • Technological options • Business, financial and operational requirements • Views of interested parties • Commit the establishment to comply with law
4
3
2
1
0
10 Environmental planning
Is there a programme to achieve your objectives and targets?
4 3 2 1 0
11 Does the programme provide for;
• a documented schedule to meet objectives and targets?
4 3 2 1 0
• designation of responsibilities for the objectives and targets at each level in the establishment?
4 3 2 1 0
12 Is there a programme in place for energy conservation?
4 3 2 1 0
13 Is there a programme in place for water conservation?
4 3 2 1 0
14 Is there a programme in place for fuel/gas use?
4 3 2 1 0
15 Is there a programme in place for waste minimisation?
4 3 2 1 0
16 Is there a programme in place for management of hazardous chemicals and materials?
4 3 2 1 0
Implementation and operation
17 Structure and responsibility
Is there a defined and documented structure showing interrelationships, authority and responsibilities of key personnel who manage, perform and verify work affecting the environment?
4 3 2 1 0
18 Is there an environmental management officer who has a defined authority for establishment and maintenance of the EMS?
4 3 2 1 0
19 Is there appropriate allocation of necessary resources for implementation and control of environmental management?
4 3 2 1 0
30
20
Training, awareness and competence
Are there established and maintained procedures for communications, training, awareness and competence to ensure that employees at all levels are aware of:
the importance of compliance with the environmental policy
4 3 2 1 0
• the potential effects of their activities on their environment, their roles and responsibilities
4 3 2 1 0
the potential consequences of non-compliance from agreed procedures?
4 3 2 1 0
21 Are there established and maintained procedures for identifying the training needs of staff?
4 3 2 1 0
22 Has management implemented a training programme for key staff members?
4 3 2 1 0
23 Are there procedures for evaluating and updating environmental training provided?
4 3 2 1 0
24 Communications
Are there procedures for communications between internal functions?
4 3 2 1 0
25 Do you have established and maintained procedures for receiving, documenting and responding to relevant communication from external interested parties?
4 3 2 1 0
26 EMS Documentation
Is there an environmental management manual? Is the manual current/maintained up-to-date?
4 3 2 1 0
27 Document control
Are there established and maintained procedures for documentation control, with respect to location, review, identification and retention of obsolete documents?
4 3 2 1 0
28 Operational control
Have you identified the functions, operations and activities which have the potential to affect the environment and are relevant to the policy, objectives and targets?
4 3 2 1 0
29 Are these activities planned so that they are performed under controlled conditions to minimise environmental impacts?
4 3 2 1 0
30 Emergency preparedness, response and recovery
Have the potential normal, abnormal and emergency events been identified through some form of risk assessment?
4 3 2 1 0
31
31 Are there procedures for dealing with emergency situations?
4 3 2 1 0
32 Are there emergency plans which contain:
4 3 2 1 0
• services and people responsible for emergency responses •
4 3 2 1 0
actions for different types of emergencies
4 3 2 1 0
• data and information on hazardous materials, such as potential impact on the environment
4 3 2 1 0
• steps taken in the event of accidental spills/releases
4 3 2 1 0
• training plans and drills? 4 3 2 1 0
33 Monitoring and evaluation
Are there procedures, and monitoring and evaluation systems to verify compliance with specified requirements and to track performance against objectives and targets?
4 3 2 1 0
34 Non·conformance and corrective and preventative action
Has the establishment defined the responsibility and authority for initiating investigations following a non-conformance, and corrective and preventative action in the event of non-compliance with specified requirements?
4 3 2 1 0
35 Are there established procedures for the investigation and corrective action in the event of non-compliance with specified requirements?
4 3 2 1 0
36 Records Is there an established and maintained system of records to demonstrate compliance with the EMS requirements and the extent to which objectives and targets have been met?
4 3 2 1 0
37 EMS audit Is there already a structure in place and trained auditors to verify compliance with the EMS?
4 3 2 1 0
38 Are there established and maintained audit procedures for the conduct of both internal and external audits to determine whether activities conform to the programme and are effective in fulfilling the environmental policy?
4 3 2 1 0
32
39 Have you established and maintained a plan including frequency for EMS audits?
4 3 2 1 0
40 Are there established procedures for reporting audit results
4 3 2 1 0
Management reviews
41 Has management reviewed the EMS to ensure its continuing suitability, adequacy and effectiveness?
4 3 2 1 0
If the establishment has developed an EMS it should be consistent with the requirements described
and identify areas needing improvement. Where an EMS has not been implemented, a thorough
review is required.
Guidelines for scoring questionnaire:
The following scoring guide should be used to score the questionnaire. Each element being assessed should be given a score of 0 to 4 with 4 being the highest score and 0 being the lowest score. The tourism establishment should strive for a score of 4 in each element. Scoring guide 4 All elements are in place and integrated within every applicable part of the establishment. 3 Most of the elements are in place. 2 Some of the elements are in place. 1 A few of the elements are in place. 0 None of the elements are in place. Example to guide assessment Has your establishment defined, documented and implemented a policy for environmental management? Score 4 Policy is relevant and fully integrated into the tourism establishment's overall management ystem. 3 Policy is in place but not fully implemented, nor meets all requirements. 2 Policy exists but does not address all the requirements and implementation has not started. 1 Policy exists in draft format 0 No policy exists
END OF DOCUMENT