The followings steps walk you through the process of creating an environmental management plan for your business.

Before you begin, download the Small Business Environmental Management Plan Workbook. The actions below reference pages in this Workbook.

STEP 1. Write a company environmental policy.

• Learn why and how to draft an environmental policy statement.

• Use the Environmental Policy Worksheet on page 6 of the Workbook.

• Refer to guidelines and samples prepared by EPA's Design for the Environment (DfE) Program.

STEP 2. Assign and communicate environmental responsibilities to employees.

• Find samples and learn how using pages 9 - 15 of the Workbook.

STEP 3. Assemble an Environmental Manual to help implement the EMP.

• Use the Environmental Manual Planning Worksheets starting on page 16 of the Workbook.

• Include information on your required environmental plans and permits.

• Incorporate environmental Best Management Practices (BMPs) and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) such as those established for the following business sectors:

  • Adhesive Technologies

  • Agribusiness (Food Processing)

  • Automotive Refinishing

  • Bakery

  • Cement Manufacturing

  • Chemical Manufacturing

  • Computer Display

  • Construction

  • Food Service

  • Forest Products

  • Formulator (Chemical Blending)

  • Industrial & Institutional Laundries

  • Furniture Finishing

  • Furniture Flame Retardancy (Furniture Industry and Chemical Manufacturers)

  • Garment & Textile Care

  • Health Care

  • Hotel

  • Iron and Steal Manufacturing

  • Landscaping

  • Lead-free Solder (Electronics Industry)

  • Machine Shop

  • Marina

  • Metal Casting

  • Metal Finishing

  • Nail Salons

  • Oil and Gas

  • Paint and Coatings

  • Ports

  • Printed Wiring Boards

  • Printing

  • Retail Store

  • Shipbuilding and Ship Repair

  • Service Station

  • Check with your industry or trade association for additional BMPs.

• STEP 4. Set environmental goals and objectives.

• • Find examples and worksheets on page 32 of the Workbook.

• STEP 5. Keep records of your environmental management activities.

• • Determine which records your business needs to keep and how to develop a Master File List by reading pages 36 - 41 of the Workbook.

  • Learn how to keep track of your records by using the Document Control Worksheet on pages 42 - 46 of the Workbook.

  • Compile a Master Schedule of Reports, Notifications and Permits using the instructions and examples found on pages 47 - 53 of the Workbook.

• STEP 6. Communicate your EMP to your employees, customers and community.

• • Learn how to develop a Communication Plan utilizing the information and worksheets on pages 54 - 58 of the Workbook.

  • Find ways to educate your employees including special events and competitions.

  • Join your local Chamber of Commerce Environmental Affairs Group.

  • Join trade or industry associations.

  • Visit your state Small Business Assistance Program for help communicating your message.

• STEP 7. Train your employees to carry out their environmental duties.

• • Set up an effective training program using the instructions, worksheets and examples on pages 59 - 66 of the Workbook.

  • Develop a strategy to engage your employees.

• STEP 8. Monitor your environmental compliance.

• • Perform an audit to determine if you are in compliance with applicable regulations and if your employees are following SOPs and BMPs using the Compliance Monitoring Worksheets on pages 69 - 70 of the Workbook.

  • Review EPA's audit policy and protocols for assessing your compliance with applicable environmental obligations.

  • Find information, training and resources in the EPA Small Business Source Book on Environmental Auditing.

  • For help, contact your state Small Business Assistance Program, find a mentor, or hire a consultant.

• STEP 9. Measure your environmental performance.

• • Learn how to determine whether the goals in your EMP are being met by reading the information starting on page 67 of the Workbook.

  • Learn how to measure your environmental performance and translate environmentally friendly practices into profits.

  • Locate environmental management accounting resources.

• STEP 10. Report your environmental results.

• • Follow guidelines for reporting your environmental performance.

  • Learn how to prepare environmental reports.

  • Seek recognition for your environmental efforts.

• STEP 11. Conduct an environmental management review.

• • Review your environmental reports and update your EMP using the Management Review Worksheets on pages 74 - 75 of the Workbook.

• STEP 12. Identify problems and take corrective action when necessary.

• • Follow the steps outlined in the Corrective Action Worksheet on page 76 of the Workbook.