Environment aspects and impacts register

A key component of a formal environmental management system is an aspect and impact register. This should set out what you’re doing to reduce your impact on the environment and how you’ll prevent damage.

Do you need to do this?

Whilst it’s not a legal requirement to have an Environment - Aspects and Impacts Register, if you are working towards a formal standard, for example, ISO14001:2004, it’s a necessity. In any event, if you can demonstrate how your business may affect the environment, and taken appropriate steps to reduce the risks, it will put you in a much better position than if you haven’t.

What is this?

Essentially, it’s a risk assessment. A desktop study that identifies how your business activities may affect the environment and what you’re doing to control them effectively. It covers everything from buying products/raw materials through to waste generation and disposal.

How is the document set out?

The table is divided into a number of sections. These are:

• use of chemicals/hazardous materials
• energy use
• generation and disposal of waste
• waste water and water use
• use of raw materials
• local environmental and community issues.

Our list has certainly covered most bases, however, it shouldn’t be seen as definitive. If you complete tasks, processes etc. that could affect the environment, which we haven’t covered, these should be added to the document.

Equally, if you feel that one of these sections doesn’t apply to your business, for example the use of chemicals or hazardous materials, then you should delete it.