Environmental compliance audit

There are many different types of environmental audits and diagnoses, used to assess the environmental performance of organizations, activities, buildings or companies: ISO 14001 certification audits, due diligence audits as part of merger-acquisition projects, life cycle analysis, technical diagnoses such as energy performance diagnosis (DPE), etc.

This dossier presents the objectives and methods associated with the practice of regulatory compliance environmental auditing, which is a tool for assessing compliance with applicable environmental regulations. This tool is designed to alleviate the difficulties of monitoring and interpreting environmental regulations, which are becoming increasingly complex. To achieve its aim, the regulatory compliance environmental audit must follow recognized methods and be carried out by specialized, competent auditors.

We will begin by outlining the context that compels companies to engage in this exercise (increasing regulatory pressure, changing attitudes, fragile public image, etc.), before introducing the direct and indirect interests and objectives of regulatory compliance environmental auditing. Definitions of the main terms in the auditor's vocabulary will also be provided.

Secondly, the methodology and tools used will be presented in detail and illustrated by examples: planning, schedule and agenda, interview techniques, document review and note-taking, drafting of findings and report, follow-up of identified discrepancies, grading and scoring, management of an audit program.

In conclusion, the limits of an environmental audit of regulatory compliance will be defined, distinguishing it from a legal opinion. The issues of choice of service provider and the time allowed for the audit will also be addressed.