umhverfisstjórnun

Umhverfisstjórnun is the Icelandic term for environmental management. It encompasses a systematic approach to managing the environmental impacts of an organization's activities, products, and services. The goal is to minimize negative effects on the environment and to ensure compliance with environmental legislation and regulations.

Key elements of umhverfisstjórnun typically include establishing an environmental policy, identifying significant environmental aspects and impacts, setting environmental objectives and targets, implementing operational controls, monitoring and measuring performance, conducting regular reviews, and ensuring continuous improvement. This process is often formalized through an environmental management system (EMS), with ISO 14001 being a widely recognized international standard for such systems.

Organizations that implement umhverfisstjórnun aim to achieve a range of benefits. These can include reduced waste and resource consumption, lower operational costs, improved environmental performance, enhanced corporate image and reputation, and better stakeholder relations. It also helps organizations proactively identify and manage environmental risks, thus avoiding potential fines and liabilities. In essence, umhverfisstjórnun integrates environmental considerations into the overall business strategy and operations.