An
environmental audit should not be confused with the environmental
review. While the initial reviews "kick-starts" the EMS,
internal audits allow you to check that the EMS is operating correctly
and help maintain momentum. Environmental auditing also helps to maintain
environmental awareness and a sense of responsibility among employees.
Internal
audits involve a systematic inspection and comparison of actual operating
methods with policies, procedures, corporate requirements, etc. The
audit is not simply about whether you comply with your procedures;
it should also aim to assess whether your EMS is adequate and operating
correctly.