Environmental Aspects and Impacts Flashcards
6 cards from real ISO 14001 Foundation Certification practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Environmental Aspects and Impacts flashcards as text
Which of the following is an example of a beneficial environmental impact that an organization might identify under ISO 14001:2015?
Answer: Reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from switching to renewable energy
Beneficial environmental impacts include positive changes to the environment, such as reduced emissions, improved biodiversity, or reduced resource consumption, resulting from an organization's activities.
What is meant by the 'control' vs 'influence' distinction in identifying environmental aspects under ISO 14001:2015?
Answer: Control refers to direct management of aspects within the organization; influence extends to aspects in the value chain where the organization can exert pressure but not direct control
'Control' refers to aspects the organization directly manages within its operations, while 'influence' extends to aspects in the value chain or by third parties where the organization can exert pressure, guidance, or requirements.
Why is it important to review and update the environmental aspect register regularly under ISO 14001:2015?
Answer: Because changes in activities, products, services, or external conditions can introduce new aspects or change the significance of existing ones
The aspect register must be kept current because changes in operations, technology, regulations, or stakeholder concerns can alter what aspects exist and their relative significance.
How does an organization's environmental aspect register relate to its operational controls?
Answer: Significant environmental aspects from the register are the primary driver for establishing operational controls and procedures
Significant environmental aspects identified in the register drive the development of operational controls, ensuring that the most important aspects are managed through documented procedures, training, and monitoring.
An organization discovers a new chemical is being used in its production process. What EMS step should it take first under ISO 14001:2015?
Answer: Assess the new chemical as a potential environmental aspect and evaluate the significance of its associated impacts
Introducing a new chemical to operations requires first assessing it as a new environmental aspect, evaluating the potential environmental impacts, and determining if the impacts are significant enough to require additional controls.
What distinguishes a 'potential' environmental impact from an 'actual' environmental impact in ISO 14001:2015?
Answer: Potential impacts are those that could occur under abnormal or emergency conditions; actual impacts occur during normal operations
Actual impacts occur during normal operations, while potential impacts are those that could occur under abnormal conditions or emergencies and must also be identified and managed proactively.