Assessing methodologies for identification of significant impacts in the ISO 14001 EMS (Environmental Management Systems)

Author

• Ann Wye-Wye Wang, Universiti Malaya

Date of Award

1-1-2001

Thesis Type

Masters

Document Type

Thesis

Divisions

Institute for Advanced Studies

Department

-

Institution

Universiti Malaya

Abstract

ISO 14001 is a voluntary environmental management system specification standard in the ISO 14000 series. It contains those elements that must be satisfied by an organisation seeking registration or certification to the standard. Identification of significant environmental impacts is one of the requirements as stated in clause 4.3.1 of MS ISO 14001 EMS - specification with guidance for use, and is an important step in the implementation of ISO 14001 standard. A study on the methodologies for identification of significant environmental impacts in the ISO 14001 EMS (Environmental Management Systems) was carried out. Three methods that have been developed are applied in this study, and an electrical/electronic industry has been chosen as the subject of the study. Method A is a qualitative method, which shows the significance of impacts as 'top', 'high', 'medium' or 'low'. Method B and Method C are both quantitative assessment, which involve numerical scoring system to enable prioritisation of each significant impact. Method C further categorised the significance level into three ranges, namely, ·very significant', 'significant' and 'non-significant'. Generally, each of the three methods has its strengths and weaknesses. The results obtained by each method is not consistently the same, yet, do not differ much. Method B is deemed to be most suitable for assessing the significant impacts in the selected case study, as the description and usage of the key criteria are more applicable to its activities, products and services. However, these three methods are still incomprehensive, but can be incorporated to set up a more thorough method. Therefore in setting up a method of analysis that is more comprehensive some criteria would have to be included in a method for identifying significance. It is important that the scope of descriptions should also be specific to each issues of concern. Qualitative and quantitative assessments are therefore recommended and have to be integrated in the method of analysis so as to provide a thorough view of its significant aspects and impacts. This would enable a company to assess and act accordingly to the requirements whether legal or other wise. Hence any method incorporated by a company for identification of significant impacts must be thorough, yet flexible and practical to be used.

Initial

snms

Additional Information

Dissertation (M.A) -- Institute for Advanced Studies, Universiti Malaya, 2002.

Recommended Citation

Wang, Ann Wye-Wye, "Assessing methodologies for identification of significant impacts in the ISO 14001 EMS (Environmental Management Systems)" (2001). Student Works (2000-2009). 639.
https://knova.um.edu.my/student_works_2000s/639

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