25231 - Environmental audit
Compulsory
5.1. Methodological overview
The learning process design for this subject consists of:
Theory sessions in which external expert communications are also included and participation is encourage.
Practical sessions consist of study work with materials supplied by lecturers.
5.2. Learning tasks
The program offered to achieve the expected results include the next learning activities:
Theory sessions: Lectures introduce the main concepts and lines of the subject. In addition, most difficult issues will be reviewed thoroughly. Bibliography and auto-evaluation tools are provided. Readings and instructions for all practical exercises will be provided on the course website (moodle).
Practical sessions: Practical classes form part of the required activities for this course. The course involves two practical modules designed to teach students how to develop an Environmental Management System and an Environmental Audit following the regulation une-en-iso-14001:2015. If you miss a lecture or tutorial through illness or some other serious reason, it is your responsibility to attend an equivalent class from another stream. Some content and activities will not be available except by physically attending the classes, and missing material will disadvantage you in the course assessment.
5.3. Syllabus
Theoretical Programme
BLOCK 1: ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS
Topic 1. Introduction to environmental management and its importance within companies. Definitions. Sustainable development and life cycle analysis. Benefits and aims of an Environmental Management System (EMS).
Topic 2. Environmental Management Systems. EMAS regulations. ISO 14001: Introduction and documentation of an EMS. Initial environmental inspection.
Topic 3. General EMS requirements and policies. The Deming Cycle. Environmental scope and policies of an EMS.
Topic 4. Planning for the introduction of an EMS. Environmental aspects; identification and evaluation. Legal and other requisites. Objectives, goals and environmental programmes.
Topic 5. EMS implementation and operation. Resources, functions, responsibility and authority. Competence, training and awareness. Internal and external communication. Documentation and its control. Operational control.
Topic 6. Verification and revision of the EMS. Follow-up and measurement. Evaluation of legal compliance. Registers.
BLOCK 2: ENVIRONMENTAL AUDITS
Topic 1. Introduction. What is an audit? Objectives. Characteristics. Participants. Types of audit.
Topic 2. Regulations applicable to the audit process. History and evaluation of audits. Current focus: applicable legislation.
Topic 3. Auditor profile. Knowledge, competence and attributes. Experience in the workplace and of carrying out audits. Importance of maintaining and updating knowledge and expertise. Evaluation. Registers. Responsibilities.
Topic 4. Audit planning and preparation.. Planning. Revision of documentation. Audit preparation.
Topic 5. Audit process. Opening meeting. Communication during the audit. Audit execution. Closing meeting.
Topic 6. Audit report and follow-up. Preparation of the audit report. Corrective action. Approval and distribution of report. Finalisation of the audit. Follow-up.
Program of Practicals
The practical exercises are the following:
System of Environmental Management: Elaborating an Environmental Management manual according to the regulation une-en-iso-14001. Presentation and defense.
Environmental audits: External audit of the environmental management system of a company that wishes to obtain certification according to the law une-en-isi-14001.Presentation and defense.