Foundation Certificate in Environmental Management

Foundation Certificate in Environmental Management

Entry requirements: Open to all

Duration:Minimum of 3 days. The three days may be concentrated within a single residential course or, in the case of academic/distance learning courses, spread over a number of weeks.

Tutor Competence: In addition to the existing procedures IEMA employ to ensure tutor competence, tutors should have proven experience of developing an EMS.

INTRODUCTION The iema Foundation Certificate in Environmental Management will be expected to cover each topic listed under the main section headings listed overleaf. It is considered that a minimum duration of three days (24 hours excluding breaks) is needed to adequately cover the full syllabus. Delegate knowledge and understanding can be assessed using practical exercises/case studies and/or an end-of-course test. Courses may go beyond the minimum requirements of the syllabus and expand upon certain issues to suit the particular needs of their audience. The proportional weighting given to the different elements of the courses should be appropriate to the delegate's knowledge and experience. The time apportioned to each element of the syllabus is left to the discretion of the course provider. However, if the iema considers that certain topics are not being given adequate coverage, approval of a course may be withheld until the course is modified appropriately. Practical Exercises The purpose of practical exercises should be to give delegates a 'hands-on' perspective to some of the learning outcomes. Practical exercises should be scheduled towards the end of the course, or developed as a series of exercises during the course so that the instructed theory can be applied in a practical context. Delegate Assessment Assessment of delegate knowledge and understanding of the learning outcomes should be tested through a combination of examination, continual assessment and practical exercises. The assessment should assess how well the delegate has retained and understood the subject matter of the course. This may be done through; · A multiple choice or compulsory short answer test. · A written essay style test. Questions should provide appropriate coverage of the Foundation Certificate in Environmental Management learning outcomes.

MODULE 1 - SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS THINKING A candidate will understand the issues, science and philosophy that underpin environmental management to a level that enables a general presentation to be made.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES After completion of this section a candidate should be able to: · Appreciate the background behind environmental issues. · Understand the ways in which an organisation impacts on the environment.

LEARNING OUTCOMES · Understand the principal environmental issues and their relevance to business. · Understand the importance of integrating environmental issues into the business process and the potential business benefits of doing so. · Have an appreciation of the driving forces leading to the introduction of environmental management systems into an organisation and their potential benefits. · Understand the principles and benefits of waste minimisation. · Understand the importance of biodiversity and links to business

MODULE 2 - LEGISLATION A candidate will be able to identify relevant legislation for an organisation and take initial steps towards ensuring compliance.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES After completion of this section a candidate should be able to: · Appreciate how environmental issues evolve, and identify why and how they can be incorporated into the management of an organisation. · Explain how legislation relates to an organisation's operations.

LEARNING OUTCOMES · Outline the structureof UK & national environmental legislation. · Understand the potential impact of key pieces of legislation on business. · Appreciate the role of the key regulatory agencies. · Explain how economic instruments influence environmental behaviour. 5 Version 1 - Ap 04

MODULE 3 - TOOLS FOR THE ASSESSMENT AND INTERPRETATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE A candidate will be able to understanding the role of various analytical processes in providing the information on which effective environmental management strategies can be based.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES After completion of this section a candidate should be able to: · Outline the various means of assessing environmental performance

LEARNING OUTCOMES · Demonstrate an understanding of the purpose and nature of the initial review · Have an understanding of how an environmental review is conducted · Help to identify significant environmental impacts of the organisations · Demonstrate an understanding of the purpose and nature of the audit · Have an understanding of how an audit is carried out.

MODULE 4 - ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS A candidate will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the key elements of an environmental management system.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES After completion of this section a candidate should be able to: · Outline ways in which an environmental management system operates.

LEARNING OUTCOMES · Outline the scope of the ISO14000 series standards and their relationship with other management systems specifications. · Demonstrate an understanding of the key elements of ISO14001. · Take on an active role within the environmental management process.