What is the purpose of auditing an EMS?

• A. To document every minor activity regardless of relevance
• B. To measure staff satisfaction with environmental initiatives
• C. To ensure implementation and that targets are reached with annual improvement
• D. To identify who is at fault for failures

Answer: (C)

Auditing an EMS is about verifying that the system is actually being put into practice and that the environmental targets set in the program are being achieved, with evidence of improvement year after year. This checks that the procedures, data collection, and controls are in place and effective, and that management actions lead to measurable progress in environmental performance.

This isn’t primarily about recording every tiny activity, nor is it a tool to measure staff satisfaction or to assign blame for failures. While surveys or blame-free investigations can emerge in broader investigations, the audit’s focus is on conformity to the EMS, the achievement of objectives, and the ongoing improvement of performance.