Approved September 19, 1992, by the WEF Executive Committee

Environmental audits are systematic and objective assessments of the environmental status and performance of properties, facilities, processes, and/or operations. They are a valuable management tool which can be used to identify and assess environmental problems, and initiate corrective actions which ensure compliance with applicable environmental laws and regulations and internal management policies and practices. Environmental audits also can be used to assess the quality of the existing environmental management systems, and to foster additional initiatives to improve the environmental performance of a facility.

Self-initiated audits are the best practical means to ensure that environmental problems are identified and targeted for correction. Environmental audits can be more effective when their use is voluntary and not mandated. Voluntary audits require fewer governmental resources, encourage thoroughness and innovation, and can be designed for a specific facility, process, or operation. They also encourage candid, objective discussions about possible methods to correct a problem or improve the environment. In some instances (such as widespread and/or chronic noncompliance), mandatory audits may be needed. Regulatory agencies should consider requiring audits in such cases as a routine part of their self- monitoring and enforcement alternatives.

Environmental audits benefit both the environment and the audited facility. Public policy therefore should explicitly support these positive benefits by providing incentives for conducting such audits and correcting any problems uncovered, and by affirming that good-faith efforts will be rewarded by enforcement discretion and/or penalty reduction.

Public policy also should ensure that voluntary audit reports generally remain confidential. An environmental audit frequently contains proprietary process information which could unfairly benefit a competitor if disclosed. Confidentiality also encourages the auditor to make full internal disclosure and evaluation of any problems or potential problems found. Audits must not be used, however, to hide environmental problems from the public or to relieve owners/operators of their obligation to notify the appropriate authorities. If a voluntary audit uncovers problems which the facility has a legal or ethical duty to report, the fact that they were uncovered during this audit should not be used to avoid notification.

Audits should be conducted by trained, experienced environmental professionals. Several professional organizations currently are examining or implementing standardized environmental auditing guidelines and auditor certification programs. Environmental professionals whose work includes environmental auditing should seek to utilize such guidelines and programs in order to enhance their capability and credibility. Environmental auditors also should be allowed to conduct their audits in an independent and unbiased manner.

Audit methodology and findings should be documented, and the documentation should be prepared in a factual manner.

Environmental audits are a critical and positive component of a comprehensive environmental management program. Public policy makers and environmental professionals should support environmental policies which recognize the beneficial role of environmental auditing.