Environment
Our environmental management systems are certified to the international standard ISO 14001
Our approach
Access to future resources such as land, water and skilled employees is directly linked to how well we manage environmental issues and work with local communities at our existing operations.
In 2009 our operations maintain certified environmental management systems which meet the international standard ISO 14001. ISO 14001 provides a framework for identifying risks, managing the environmental impact of our activities and products, and continuously improving our environmental performance through environmental improvement plans.
We also commenced the implementation of a business-wide, integrated Health, Safety, Environment and Quality (HSEQ) management system. The system ensures all Rio Tinto operations uniformly work within a robust management framework and meet various certifications and internal and external reporting requirements. The HSEQ management system provides a systematic approach for sound hazard and risk identification, evaluation and management, ongoing verification and review of performance.
The system helps us manage the following key environmental focus areas:
- air quality
- greenhouse gas emissions
- noise and vibration control
- water management
- waste management (mineral and non-mineral)
- land use
- biodiversity
- product stewardship.
Timely monitoring and corrective action ensures environmental management remains a key focus of the business.
We carry out regular internal and external auditing to assess environmental management performance and systems across our operations. In addition our environmental management systems are regularly audited by an independent certifier.
Read our Climate Change Action Plan review for 2007-2009 to find out more about our climate change work programme and achievements.