We use this procedure as the management-level frame for our environmental management system. It tells staff and auditors how the EMS hangs together, then points to the operational procedures that deal with waste, spills, COSHH and the rest of it.
This policy-procedure template is supplied in fully editable MS Word format and can be easily customised and edited. The document uses pre-defined style formatting throughout, with all text in Calibri font for improved readability.
The following document labelling is included in the footer:
- Procedure number and title
- Information-classification
- Version
- Page number / total pages
An amendment record is included so changes between issues can be tracked.
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Further guidance on environmental management and the related clauses:
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Environmental Management Policy Procedure Template
The PP-6-01 Environmental Management Policy Procedure is the management-level frame for an ISO 14001 environmental management system. It introduces how the EMS works as a whole and points to the operational procedures that address the company's significant environmental aspects.
This is the procedure top management and the environmental manager use to set out the company's overall environmental management approach: how the EMS is structured, how objectives are set, how climate and carbon are addressed, and how environmental performance is tracked over time.
What the Procedure Covers
PP-6-01 sets out the management-level arrangements for environmental management:
- Overview of the Environmental Management System - how policies, procedures, registers and records fit together under the ISO 14001 framework
- Roles and Responsibilities - management, line managers, the environmental manager and the responsibilities of all staff
- Our Environmental Management Approach - the principles the company applies to identify aspects, comply with legal requirements and drive improvement
- The Environmental Procedures - a summary of the supporting operational procedures (PP-6-02 through PP-6-06)
- Environmental Objectives and Targets - how objectives are set, monitored and reviewed
- Climate Change Considerations - how climate is treated both as an impact the company contributes to and as a risk the company is exposed to
- Carbon Management Strategy - carbon accounting, reduction planning and Net Zero positioning
- Environmental Performance Tracking - the indicators used to evidence performance against objectives and compliance obligations
Aligned with ISO 14001:2015 and ISO 14001:2026
PP-6-01 has been refreshed for the current edition of the standard and remains aligned with both ISO 14001:2015 and ISO 14001:2026. The underlying management arrangements have not changed significantly between the two editions, so the procedure is suitable for organisations certified to either version - whether you are on the 2015 standard, working through the transition or already operating against 2026.
The refresh picks up the clarifications and emphasis introduced in ISO 14001:2026:
- Climate change is treated explicitly as a factor in environmental management, supporting the climate amendments at clauses 4.1 and 4.2
- Resource use and biodiversity are addressed as part of the wider environmental scope at clause 4.1
- Carbon management is presented as a practical response to climate impact, supporting the link between environmental performance and compliance obligations
- The relationship between objectives, performance indicators and management review is set out to support clauses 6.2, 9.1 and 9.3
How It Fits with the Other Environmental Procedures
PP-6-01 sits at the top of the environmental procedure stack. It introduces the operational procedures that follow and are supplied alongside it in the toolkit:
- PP-6-02 Environmental Waste Management
- PP-6-03 Environmental Oils, Chemicals and COSHH
- PP-6-04 Environmental Emergency Response
- PP-6-05 Environmental Spills
- PP-6-06 Environmental Energy Management
If you prefer a single document rather than the five-procedure stack, the PP-6-100 Environmental Management Policy Procedure combines the same operational topics into one consolidated procedure.
Who Needs a Management-Level Environmental Procedure?
PP-6-01 is suitable for organisations that prefer a structured set of procedures over a single consolidated document. It is particularly useful where the environmental manager needs a clear top-level document for management review, audit walkthroughs and induction, with the operational detail handled in separate, topic-specific procedures.
Included in Every ISO 14001 Toolkit
This procedure is included in every alphaZ ISO 14001 toolkit and integrated toolkit covering environmental management. If you are building or rebuilding a management system, the toolkit route is the most efficient way to get the full set of documents you need.
Works with the Environmental Policy
PP-6-01 sits alongside the P-2 Environmental Policy. The policy is the top-level statement of commitment approved by top management; the policy-procedure is the operating document that turns those commitments into the day-to-day arrangements staff and contractors are expected to follow.