ENVIRONMENTAL AUDITING AND MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS - 2026/7

Module Overview

Environmental Management Systems (EMS) and environmental auditing are central mechanisms through which organisations structure, evaluate and improve their environmental performance. ISO 14001 provides an internationally recognised framework for embedding environmental responsibility within organisational strategy, operations and decision-making.

This module develops a structured and applied understanding of environmental auditing and EMS implementation. Students examine how organisations identify environmental aspects, manage compliance obligations, implement operational controls, monitor performance, and use internal auditing to drive continual improvement.

Through case-based learning, structured audit simulations and applied analysis, the module bridges ISO 14001 principles with real organisational practice. It equips students with the analytical and professional skills required to evaluate EMS effectiveness and contribute to audit processes in complex organisational settings.

The module contributes towards Graduate Membership of ISEP (Institute of Sustainability and Environmental Professionals).

Module provider

School of Engineering

Module Leader

GIUSTI Matteo (Sch of Eng)

Number of Credits: 15

ECTS Credits: 7.5

Framework: FHEQ Level 7

Module cap (Maximum number of students): N/A

Module Availability

Semester 1

Prerequisites / Co-requisites

None.

Module content

Indicative content includes:

• Structure and principles of ISO 14001
• Context of the organisation (PESTLE, stakeholders, risk and opportunity)
• Identification and evaluation of environmental aspects
• Compliance obligations and operational control
• Environmental performance indicators and monitoring
• Internal auditing processes and audit findings
• Continual improvement and EMS maturity

Assessment pattern

Alternative Assessment

N/A

Assessment Strategy

The assessment strategy enables students to demonstrate critical thinking and practical skills in understanding and evaluating the environmental performance of a company, as well as the ability to critically reflect on auditing practice, including the applications of ISO14001 within an effective EMS.

Formative assessment and feedback

Detailed feedback will be provided on assessments and during class discussions. A group facilitator will support group discussion and provide additional formative feedback.

Module aims

• Provide a solid understanding of the knowledge, skills and steps required to undertaking an Environmental Audit.
• Identify and understand appropriate Environmental Policies
• Develop competence in reading environmental audit reports.
• Increase understanding of the meaning and function of EMS and certified standards;
• Improve the understanding of the role of EMS
• Support effective data within an EMS
• Appreciate common implementation problems
• Discuss practical experiences of EMS implementation

Learning outcomes

Methods of Teaching / Learning

The learning and teaching is designed to encourage active, case-based learning.  The module will encourage students to explore and critically evaluate theoretical perspectives underpinning practice cases, and consider their application to their own organisations.

The learning and teaching methods include:

• Lectures and class discussions 


• Site visits


• Independent study 

Indicated Lecture Hours (which may also include seminars, tutorials, workshops and other contact time) are approximate and may include in-class tests where one or more of these are an assessment on the module. In-class tests are scheduled/organised separately to taught content and will be published on to student personal timetables, where they apply to taken modules, as soon as they are finalised by central administration. This will usually be after the initial publication of the teaching timetable for the relevant semester.

Reading list

https://readinglists.surrey.ac.uk
Upon accessing the reading list, please search for the module using the module code: ENGM066

Other information

The Centre for Environment and Sustainability is committed to developing graduates with strengths in Employability, Digital Capabilities, Global and Cultural Capabilities, Sustainability and Resourcefulness and Resilience, in line with the Surrey Curriculum Framework. This module is designed to allow students to develop knowledge, skills and capabilities in the following areas:

Employability: Employability is a critical consideration for this module, not only because this is one of the modules required for IEMA/IES accreditation, but also because of the practical, applied nature of the module by design. The module has professional guest lecturers, including a certified environmental auditor who will run the majority of the first three days of the module and who will, as part of the discussion, offer feedback on the ideas of students. In the past, several internship options as well as employment opportunities have arisen from the presentations from industry during the module. . Career options will be discussed in the course as well.

Digital capabilities: This module is focused on “on-the-ground” type work (in auditing and management of an organisation). Digital capabilities are built into such tasks and environmental management in general, requiring networking, remote communication, and access to a plethora of relevant information. This does include electronic audit protocols.

Sustainability: EAMS is at the heart of managing (and verifying) the environmental dimension of sustainability. In addition, the module covers how these environmental practices and tools can be transferred or widened to include sustainability.

Programmes this module appears in

Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2026/7 academic year.