Environmental Audit : Definitions, Objectives and Benefits

An environmental audit is a systematic examination of an organization's compliance with environmental regulations and its impact on the environment. The main objectives of an environmental audit are to assess the organization's compliance with relevant environmental laws and regulations, identify areas where the organization is not in compliance, and make recommendations for improvement. Environmental audits can also be used to evaluate the effectiveness of the organization's environmental management system and to identify opportunities for cost savings and process improvement.

The benefits of an environmental audit include:

  • ‌Identification of potential environmental liabilities and risks
  • ‌Compliance with environmental regulations
  • ‌Improvement of environmental performance
  • ‌Cost savings through efficient use of resources
  • ‌Improved public image and stakeholder relations
  • ‌Demonstration of corporate responsibility and sustainability.

Audit Procedures: Pre audit activities; activities of site and post audit activities.


Pre-audit activities including:

  1. ‌Planning and preparation: Identifying the scope and objectives of the audit, selecting the audit team, and scheduling the audit.
  2. ‌Document review: Reviewing relevant environmental laws and regulations, the organization's environmental policies and procedures, and any previous audit reports.
  3. ‌Communication: Notifying relevant personnel within the organization of the upcoming audit and arranging for access to necessary facilities and records.

During the site audit, the audit team will:

  1. ‌Inspect the organization's facilities and operations to assess compliance with environmental regulations and the organization's own policies and procedures.
  2. ‌Interview relevant personnel to gather information about the organization's environmental management system and practices.
  3. ‌Collect samples and measurements to assess the organization's environmental impact.

Post-audit activities include:

  1. ‌Reporting: Preparing a report outlining the findings of the audit, including any non-compliances identified, and recommendations for improvement.
  2. ‌Follow-up: Following up with the organization to ensure that any identified non-compliances are addressed and that recommendations for improvement are implemented.
  3. ‌Continual improvement: Incorporating the findings of the audit into the organization's environmental management system to promote ongoing improvement in environmental performance.

Environmental Audit Scheme as implemented by GPCB under the instructions of Hon. Gujarat High Court. 

The Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB) is the state-level agency responsible for enforcing environmental regulations in the state of Gujarat, India. Under the instructions of the Honorable Gujarat High Court, GPCB has implemented an Environmental Audit Scheme.

The main objectives of this scheme are:

  • ‌To ensure compliance with environmental regulations by industries and other organizations in Gujarat.
  • ‌To identify areas where the industries and organizations are not in compliance with environmental regulations and to make recommendations for improvement.
  • ‌To evaluate the effectiveness of the industries and organizations environmental management system and to identify opportunities for cost savings and process improvement.

The scheme is voluntary and open to all industries and organizations operating in Gujarat. The industries and organizations are expected to conduct self-audits and submit the audit report to GPCB. Based on the report, GPCB will conduct a verificatory audit to assess compliance with environmental regulations and the effectiveness of the organization's environmental management system.

This scheme has been implemented to ensure that industries and organizations are aware of their environmental responsibilities and to take steps to minimize their impact on the environment. It also helps to promote sustainable development in Gujarat.