3. Identifying environmental aspects and impacts: objectives and principles

3.1 Objectives

The purpose of the environmental analysis referred to in the ISO 14001 and EMAS standards is to provide the organization with a process for identifying environmental aspects and determining which are significant in normal and accidental operation, so that they can be given priority consideration.

The aim of the environmental analysis is to set objectives and targets, establish a program of action and integrate the identified areas for improvement into the company's policy and strategy. This approach forms the basis of the environmental management system, and is in line with the logic of continuous improvement (figure 2 ).