Environmental Audit (EAu) involves the examination and verification of operational practices and procedures. It is a “systematic, documented verification process of objectively obtaining and evaluating evidence to determine whether specified environmental activities, events, conditions, management systems, or information about the organization conform with audit criteria and standards and communicating the results of this process to the organization.

Environmental auditing in an industrial establishment is an important tool used to critically examine various aspects of the industry’s operation for evaluating and improving its environmental performance. The essence of the EAu is therefore to scientifically evaluate and document the present biophysical and socio-economic status of the environment of various aspects of a facility operation within a geographical area, with the view of achieving enhanced environmental performance.

Conducting an environmental audit is no longer an option but a sound precaution and a proactive measure in today’s heavily regulated environment. Indeed, evidence suggests that EAu has a valuable role to play, encouraging systematic incorporation of environmental perspectives into many aspects of an organization’s overall operation, helping to trigger new awareness and new priorities in policies and practices.

Module 1: Introduction to Environmental Auditing

• Course Overview
• Meaning and Purpose of Environmental Audit
• Purpose of an Environmental Audit
• Environmental Auditing (Part 1)
• A quick check of your understanding on Environmental Audit based on the above video;
• The Concept of Environmental Auditing (Regulatory Compliance Audit)
• What is Environmental Auditing – Part 1
• A quick check of your understanding on Environmental Audit based on the above video;
• Aims and Objectives of Environmental Audit
• Types of Environmental Audits
• What is environmental auditing – part 2
• A quick check of your understanding on Environmental Audit based on the above video;
• Module 1 Quiz

Module 2: Approach and Methodology for Environmental Audit Implementation

• Scope of Work for an Environmental Audit Exercise
• TLC0105 Environmental Auditing in Environmental Management (Series 1)
• A quick check of your understanding on Environmental Audit based on the above video;
• Process and Procedures for Environmental Audit
• TLC0105 Environmental Auditing in Environmental Management (Series 1)
• A quick check of your understanding on Environmental Audit based on the above video;
• Study Methodology for Environmental Audit Fieldwork
• Module 2 Quiz

Module 3: Audit Findings and Evaluation

• Key Elements of Audit Findings (Basis of Observations and Recommendations):
• Environmental Audit
• A quick check of your understanding on Environmental Audit based on the above video;
• General Survey of Environmental Compliance to Regulations/Guidelines
• Observation and Evaluation of General House Keeping Practices
• Waste Management Practice:
• What is environmental auditing – part 3
• A quick check of your understanding on Environmental Audit based on the above video;
• Evaluation of Impact (Environmental Risks) related to Operational Activities
• What is Environmental Auditing – Part 4
• A quick check of your understanding on Environmental Audit based on the above video;
• Module 3 Quiz

Module 4: Recommendations and Follow-Up action Plan

• Environmental Management Programmes for Audited Facility
• Outcome Summary of Expectations from an Audited Facility
• Environmental Auditing
• A quick check of your understanding on Environmental Audit based on the above video;
• Expected Commendations
• Performance Improvement and Maintenance Procedures
• Basics of Environmental Auditing
• A quick check of your understanding on Environmental Audit based on the above video;
• Audit Follow-Up Plan
• Module 4 Quiz

Module 5: Audit Documentations: Reports, Checklists and Guidelines

• Compliance to Environmental Regulatory Documents
• Lecture 30: EIA Process – Follow-Up (Monitoring and Auditing)
• A quick check of your understanding on Environmental Assessment based on the above video
• Structure of an Environmental Audit (EAu) Report
• Environmental Audit Checklist
• Environmental Auditing
• A quick check of your understanding on Environmental Audit based on the above video;
• Environmental Audit Guidelines
• How to add value to Environmental Auditing
• A quick check of your understanding on Environmental Assessment based on the above video;
• Module 5 Quiz
• References
• Course Evaluation Form
• Final Assignment