Corporate social responsibility
The key to understanding the concept of SZF is the goal of the organization’s activities. A socially responsible company does not only aim to maximize profit, but its goals are based on the needs of the internal and external environment and also include social and environmental aspects of its activity. The goals of such an organization shift from short-term to long-term goals that contribute to the ability to generate profit in the long term and the sustainable development of the entire company. It is therefore a shift from focusing exclusively on achieving profit to the so-called three “Ps”: people, profit, planet. In this case, the operation of the company is based on the application of the “triple-bottom-line” concept, which takes into account economic growth, as well as the environmental and social responsibility of the company. The concepts of SZF or triple-bottom-line show that economic interests do not have to be in conflict with social and environmental interests, but can create a synergistic effect. SZF provides organizations with a framework helping to integrate environmental, social (ethical) criteria into management decisions.
Environmental area of social responsibility
- environmental policy of the company,
- minimization of environmental impacts,
- reduction of material and energy intensity of processes,
- waste management,
- environmental management systems for process control,
- protection resources,
- working environment, etc.
Environmental management system
The environmental management system (EMS) according to the ISO 14 001 standard is one of the important management tools. The EMS consists of a certain number of interconnected elements that allow the organization to analyze, control and reduce the negative environmental impacts of individual activities, products and services, as well as to manage the organization with greater efficiency and control.
The importance of the EMS is that it enables the management of environmental problems in the company in a planned and systematic way and with its help to identify ways to continuously improve environmental corporate behavior. EMS is suitable for all types of organizations, regardless of their size, the activities that take place in them, or whether they belong to the public or private sector. Today, they are widespread not only among small and medium-sized enterprises, but also in the field of public administration, such as cities and municipalities. Enterprises approach the introduction of an environmental protection management system voluntarily with the aim.
Economic benefits
- energy saving
- water saving
- waste minimization (reduction of disposal costs)
- economical use of raw materials
- recycling (use of processed waste)
- transparency and traceability costs
- minimization of environmental charges and fines for pollution
- reduction of insurance costs
Environmental audit
The environmental audit forms an integral part of the process of introducing and maintaining the environmental management system (hereinafter referred to as “EMS”). The main objective of the audit is to determine whether the EMS is in accordance with the requirements of ISO 14001 or EMAS, as well as whether it is properly implemented and maintained.
The procedure for conducting an environmental audit at the enterprise level can be divided into four basic steps:
- Initiating an audit
- Audit preparation
- Conducting an audit
- Prepare an audit report
