An environmental objective is defined as an overall goal that the organisation sets itself to achieve (ISO14001:2004 clause 3.9). A target is defined as a detailed performance requirement (ISO14001:2004 clause 3.12).
In order to achieve continual environmental improvement, an organisation will need to select suitable objectives. Within each objective will be one or more targets, for example:
You could select an improvement in energy consumption per unit of production as an objective over a six month period. Within this objective could be some targets, such as :
- to install a new, more efficient water heater;
- to replace 20 percent of light fittings with low energy bulbs;
- to review energy consumption and select specific areas for the installation of new electricity meters; and
- to overhaul compressed air system and eliminate all leaks.
The selected objectives and targets should be:
Specific Specify the scope; area, people, work aspect. All parties should understand the limits discussed.
Measurable Give measurements to allow recognition of success. How much? How good? How often? And for how long?
Achievable Your team should be able and equipped to achieve it, and it should be within your authority to action it.
Realistic The amount of change required may be challenging, but must be agreed to be possible.
Timed Give a time frame for completion and a budget of resources to enable achievement.
The need for prioritisation
The formulation of objectives and targets will need to be based on priorities. The evaluation of significant issues (aspects/impacts) affecting the organisation will have already been a major prioritisation exercise establishing what environmental matters need to be addressed. However, the organisation will not be able to tackle all these at once – there will be financial and other resource constraints.
Objectives and targets should be set in the context of continual improvement. It is important that this recognises that the improvement process need not take place in all areas of activity simultaneously and that it may be impracticable in certain areas at certain times.
Continual improvement can be achieved by measures such as:
- developments in products, services, processes and facilities;
- enhanced product quality, operational efficiency and resource utilisation;
- the application of measures, with a view to reducing adverse environmental effects to levels not exceeding those corresponding to economically viable application of best available technology.
How you prioritise will depend on a number of factors. For example:
- the extent and nature of regulatory requirements that currently apply and, importantly, that are being introduced;
- the extent and nature of stakeholder concerns, particularly regulators, customers (existing and potential) and the local community;
- the organisation's circumstances in relation to regulatory requirements and stakeholder concerns together with its financial and other resource (e.g. personnel/expertise) capabilities; and
- the availability of options to improve performance that are technically and economically feasible.
Typical factors which would affect priorities include:
- risk of breaching existing legal requirements through current operating practices;
- risk of breaching forthcoming legal requirements through current operating practices;
- risk of accidental release leading to a breach of the law, potential for civil claim, or damage to company reputation; and
- availability of low cost measures to save energy, minimise waste and reduce the consumption of materials.
Consider other issues based on importance:
- image (e.g. community complaints, green group action);
- markets (e.g. customer expectations, competitor activities);
- finances (e.g. avoidance of business disruption and fines, savings opportunities); and
- importantly, consideration of the balance of costs and benefits of action.
Other useful questions to ask when considering priorities are:
- what will this action achieve?
- what might happen if such action is not taken?