Tools for Environmental Analysis, Evaluation and Management 207
11.5 EnvironMEntal auditS
An environmental audit is the examination of the degree of compatibility
between the manner of management and operation of a business or organization with the environmental protection requirements, the generally
proper environmental practices or the sustainability principle. In some
cases, environmental audits are mandatory by legislation. They are applied
as a tool for exploring the effectiveness of the environmental efforts made
by businesses or organizations at a local level.
These systematic, independent examinations aim at finding to what
degree environmental outcomes correspond to the goals, or how effective
the methods for achievement of the goals are. Environmental audit is a
study of records and documents as well as a discussion with people who
hold key positions in the organization, so that possible deviations between
goals and outcomes may be identified.
11.6 Eco-labElS
Eco-labelling is a promotion method for environmentally friendly products
and services. The eco-label is useful for distinguishing a product or service
that is preferable among a variety of similar products or services because it
possesses some positive ecological characteristics. The distinction is based
on examination of the life cycle of the product or service and is granted by
an independent body on the basis of ecological criteria. There are many
different labels, both optional and mandatory, that confirm ecological performance. Eco-labels serve a common goal—the encouragement of supply
of and demand for products and services that cause less pressure to the
environment, through reporting verifiable, accurate and not misleading
information in relation to their environmental aspects.
The roots of eco-labelling can be found in the increasing concern of governments and public opinion about the environment. Businesses recognize
that environmental care can bring advantages to marketing of certain
products and services. Various eco-labels have appeared in the market,
such as natural, organic, recyclable, friendly to the environment etc. However, reliability and objectivity are needed, and these can be guaranteed
only by the intervention of certified public or private organizations that
bestow the eco-labels.
11.7 EnvironMEntal cErtiFication
An environmental management system aims at reducing environmental
impacts that are assessed by certain objective criteria, i.e. to manage the
11.5 EnvironMEntal auditS
An environmental audit is the examination of the degree of compatibility
between the manner of management and operation of a business or organization with the environmental protection requirements, the generally
proper environmental practices or the sustainability principle. In some
cases, environmental audits are mandatory by legislation. They are applied
as a tool for exploring the effectiveness of the environmental efforts made
by businesses or organizations at a local level.
These systematic, independent examinations aim at finding to what
degree environmental outcomes correspond to the goals, or how effective
the methods for achievement of the goals are. Environmental audit is a
study of records and documents as well as a discussion with people who
hold key positions in the organization, so that possible deviations between
goals and outcomes may be identified.
11.6 Eco-labElS
Eco-labelling is a promotion method for environmentally friendly products
and services. The eco-label is useful for distinguishing a product or service
that is preferable among a variety of similar products or services because it
possesses some positive ecological characteristics. The distinction is based
on examination of the life cycle of the product or service and is granted by
an independent body on the basis of ecological criteria. There are many
different labels, both optional and mandatory, that confirm ecological performance. Eco-labels serve a common goal—the encouragement of supply
of and demand for products and services that cause less pressure to the
environment, through reporting verifiable, accurate and not misleading
information in relation to their environmental aspects.
The roots of eco-labelling can be found in the increasing concern of governments and public opinion about the environment. Businesses recognize
that environmental care can bring advantages to marketing of certain
products and services. Various eco-labels have appeared in the market,
such as natural, organic, recyclable, friendly to the environment etc. However, reliability and objectivity are needed, and these can be guaranteed
only by the intervention of certified public or private organizations that
bestow the eco-labels.
11.7 EnvironMEntal cErtiFication
An environmental management system aims at reducing environmental
impacts that are assessed by certain objective criteria, i.e. to manage the