Environmental management and policy

Although no legislation specifically requires organisations to implement an environmental management system a body can be held liable if they 'cause or knowingly permit' an environmental offence, rather than simply committing one. This distinction means that a surveyor may be held liable for the actions of a contractor appointed by them or even by allowing an environmental incident to occur through ignorance or neglect.

Proactive environmental management can help firms not only ensure legal compliance but also deliver a strategic approach to environmental improvement appropriate to their circumstances and business requirements.  

Environmental management helps to maintain property value, bring cost savings, generate positive publicity and avoid liability. Environmental management systems can be integrated with quality management and occupational health and safety management (often referred to as integrated management systems).

This section is maintained by Faith Johnson, Managing Director of the Environmental Quality Mark Community Interest Company and Mharry Stanley, Health, Safety and Environment Manager of Greencore Grocery Limited.

Document template: Risk assessment methodology

Feature: Ecological surveys: avoiding development delays

Feature: Rewilding projects

RICS standard: Green roofs and walls