Environmental audit

How it is used

Audits may be internal, external (by a certification body) or carried out by regulators as inspections. Auditors review documents, inspect the site, interview staff and report findings such as nonconformities and observations. Buyers also order environmental due diligence before they acquire a site.

Example sentences

1. The environmental audit found that the chemical store had no secondary containment.

2. We schedule an internal environmental audit at each site twice a year.

Common collocations

• carry out an environmental audit
• audit findings
• internal audit
• nonconformity
• environmental due diligence

Related terms

• environmental management system (EMS)A structured set of policies, procedures and records that an organization uses to manage its environmental impacts, meet its legal duties and improve its performance.
• environmental permitAn official authorization that allows a facility to carry out activities that could affect the environment, such as emissions to air or discharges to water, under set conditions.
• environmental monitoringThe regular measurement and recording of environmental conditions, such as air and water quality, noise or wildlife, to check compliance and detect changes over time.
• hazardous wasteWaste that can harm people or the environment because it is toxic, flammable, corrosive or reactive, such as used oils, solvents, batteries and medical waste.

More terms: Environmental Assessment and Management

• environmental impact assessment (EIA)
• baseline
• public consultation