In this unit you will examine the nature of Environmental Management Systems (EMS) as developed by the International Organisation for Standards and Standards Australia. Topics include: concepts of EMS, ISO 14000 series (including ISO 14001 and ISO 14004), implementing EMSs, risk assessment, auditing and certification, relationships with Environmental Impact Assessment and the concept of continual improvement. You will review case studies focused on the implementation and functioning of environmental management systems in Australia and in other countries. You will use your learned knowledge and skills to develop your own draft environmental management system for a hypothetical or actual organisation.

Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.

Feedback from Student grades and lecturer reflection

Dividing the main written assessment into milestones with formative feedback points improved student performance and engagement.

It is recommended that this milestone structure be retained in future offerings to support student learning.

Feedback from SUTE comments, lecturer reflection

Students indicated that more recorded content would support their learning, with several requesting weekly lecture recordings and additional tutorials to help make the material more accessible and easier to engage with.

It is recommended that the Unit Coordinator provides pre-recorded lectures summarising weekly unit material, supplemented by fortnightly online tutorials to consolidate understanding and address questions.

Feedback from SUTE data and comments

Reducing the number of quizzes from 12 to 3 was well received, leading to higher completion rates and positive feedback on the reduced assessment load. Some students suggested refinements to the wording or structure of certain quiz questions.

It is recommended that the Unit Coordinator retains the structure of 3 quizzes per term and update questions to improve clarity and understanding of expectations.

Feedback from SUTE data and comments, lecturer reflection

Some students commented on the unit content, with a few suggesting the volume of material could be refined, with some requesting more video resources, and others noting that the organisation of content could be improved.

It is recommended that the Unit Coordinator continues to review and update weekly content to ensure it is concise and well-structured, incorporate additional video resources, and reinforce expectations of third-year study to support student understanding and engagement.