ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT OF ORGANISATIONS AND INSTITUTIONS

INTRODUCTION

Environmental audits, sometimes known as “Green Audits,” are vital for determining how organisational and institutional actions may affect the environment. These audits look into several parts of a business’ activities to see if they have any negative consequences on the air, water, or soil. Green audits assist in preventing environmental infractions and guarantee that organisations follow pertinent legislation and standards by spotting any compliance difficulties.

Green audits also help to promote sustainability by making recommendations for ways to lessen an organisation’s environmental effect. These suggestions can involve introducing recycling programmes, lowering trash production, adopting eco-friendly technologies, and adopting energy-efficient practices. Companies can improve their environmental performance and contribute to a more sustainable future by taThe value of environmental sustainability is being acknowledged more widely, and efforts are being made to lessen the negative effects of human activity on the environment. By training and preparing future leaders of the sustainable movement, higher education institutions (HEIs) may play a vital role in promoting sustainability. To create a healthy and environmentally conscious learning environment for students, professors, and staff, HEIs should prioritise developing a sustainable environment on their campuses. 

Incorporating sustainable building practices, promoting eco-friendly transportation options, implementing renewable energy sources, improving resource management, and raising awareness of environmental issues through engagement and education are just a few of the initiatives that go into creating a sustainable campus. By doing these things, HEIs can set an example for students, encourage them to care about the environment, and help create a more sustainable society.

GREEN AUDIT FOR UNIVERSITY AND ORGANISATIONS 

The best method for green auditing institutions and businesses. Presently, the yearly Green Audit Report is a requirement for all HEIs. In actuality, it is associated with the university’s  CSR, demonstrating their deliberate dedication to advancing sustainability and eco-friendly practices. 

Self–assessment – It gives universities and colleges the chance to consider and implement the best solutions for their campuses. Self-evaluation and decision-making are aided by the audit.

Awareness – Through intentional and ongoing efforts, it increases awareness of the need to promote sustainability among all institution-affiliated individuals.

Future implications –  By upholding the requirements, universities can improve their prospects of getting the highest NAAC rating. 

But in order to apply the best practices for green audits, it is crucial to take a thorough

THE AUDIT’S GOALS AND IT BENEFITS THE INSTITUTION

1. Ensuring the best environmental sustainability practices is the primary goal of the    green audit.
2. It reduces the threats and risks to people’s health on the learning site.
3. The green audit helps HEIs comply with the rules and regulations of the environmental management system.
4. Among the numerous stages of the green audit are the examinations of the use of water, the management of waste, the use of energy, and the quality of the environment and human health.
5. Institutions can find affordable waste management strategies using green audit reports.
6. It enables organisations, especially HEIs, to build and support a sustainable, modern learning environment and receive the highest NAAC rating.
7. Finally, by elevating the HEIs as sustainability thought leaders, it adds credibility to their brand.

AUDIT’S BENEFIT THE ORGANISATION

Green audits assist firms in staying in compliance with state and federal standards. They can assist the company in avoiding fines and other penalties. Audits also assist businesses develop safer working environments.

Modern green audits enable businesses to lower their environmental footprint. This technique may increase customer perception because current consumers are acutely aware of how a company’s operations affect the environment.

A typical step in the green auditing procedure is:

1. Data collection – Gathering detailed information about an organisation’s operations, energy use, waste management, water usage, transportation, and other pertinent factors.
2. Data analysis – Investigating gathered data to spot patterns, trends, and potential problems.
3. Spotting areas – where the organisation can make improvements and adopt sustainable practices to lessen their influence on the environment.
4. Creating action plans – Making plans and strategies to deal with the areas that need improvement as well as sustainability goals.
5. Tracking progress –  assessing the success of adopted measures, and reporting on the environmental performance of the organisation are all part of the monitoring and reporting process.

MOOKHERJEE V. WEST BENGAL POLLUTION CONTROL BOARD

In opinion, after considering facts, green audit is essential in respect of six govt hospitals involved in bio-medical waste management.

ADITYA DUBEY V. AMAZON RETAIL INDIA PRIVATE LIMITED

Hon’ble NGT observed and ordered green audit against 10 companies, a committee has been constituted to suggest mechanism for providing solutions on conducting green audit.

 CONCLUSION

In conclusion, environmental audits, sometimes known as “Green Audits,” are crucial for determining and reducing how much an organisation’s or institution’s actions have an influence on the environment. By suggesting actions to lessen environmental harm, they aid in preventing compliance problems and advancing sustainability. To educate and prepare future leaders in the sustainable movement and to offer a healthy and sustainable learning environment for everyone, higher education institutions should prioritise developing a sustainable campus environment.

REFERENCES

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.hindustantimes.com

http://naac.gov.in/inde.php/en/19-quick-links/213-advisory-on-iso-9001-green-certificates-audits

Case laws

MOOKHERJEE V. WEST BENGAL POLLUTION CONTROL BOARDADITYA

DUBEY V. AMAZON RETAIL INDIA PRIVATE LIMITED

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WRITTEN BY – ANVITHA RAO