What does the "Plan" stage involve?

• A. Implementing the processes
• B. Measuring and reporting performance
• C. Auditing compliance with legal requirements
• D. Establishing the objectives and processes necessary to deliver results in accordance with the organization's Environmental Policy

Answer: (D)

In the Plan stage you set the direction for environmental performance by establishing the objectives and the processes needed to deliver results in line with the organization's Environmental Policy. This means deciding what you want to achieve, identifying the steps and procedures required, and allocating the necessary resources and responsibilities. It also involves laying out how success will be measured through performance indicators, and mapping out actions to address legal requirements and environmental aspects. This planning creates the roadmap that guides what will be done, by whom, and how progress will be tracked, before moving into implementation and review.