EV2008 - Environmental Management Systems in Practice

[Not offered in 2021]

Environmental Management Systems in Practice provides students with an understanding of the theoretical and practical aspects of environmental management systems in contemporary business and organisational management settings. The subject builds on students' existing knowledge of the principles of ecological sustainability, environmental governance and economics gained through prior learning. A range of voluntary and non-voluntary environmental management practices will be showcased demonstrating how a combination of these practices culminate in an effective Environmental Management System (EMS). Topics covered in this subject include: theory, history and development of environmental management and EMS; the role and limitations of EMS in assisting organisations in managing risks and harness opportunities, and enhancing overall environmental performance; the role of regulation and accreditation in EMS; elements and tools to achieve EMS goals; climate risks and emerging issues. Upon completion of this subject, students should be able to navigate confidently among the various generic and industry-specific environmental management tools and techniques that can comprise EMS. They will also have the capacity to construct and carry out different components of an EMS, and assist in developing a new system. The subject does not provide sufficient practice and skills for students to immediately become an accredited Australian EMS auditor.

Learning Outcomes

• anticipate, assess and prioritise environmental aspects of an organisation or industry/sector by applying the principles of EMS;
• develop an environmental management plan (action plan) to address priority environmental aspects;
• communicate components of EMS effectively verbally and in written format.

Subject Assessment

• Oral > Presentation 1 - (10%) - Group
• Participation > Class participation - (10%) - Individual
• Tutorial submission - (30%) - Individual
• Written - EMS Audit Plan (20%), Written - Audit Report (30%) - (50%) - Individual.

Note: Minor variations might occur due to the continuous Subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.