Environmental audit in Singapore

• Main Author: Chua, Boon Hua
• Other Authors: Teo Susan
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: 2015
• Subjects: DRNTU::Business
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/64348
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

The growing environmental problems have led to the concern for the environment and brought about the evolution of environmental auditing. Environmental auditing originated in the United States and spread its influence to many industrialized countries. Although there are many definitions as to the concept of environmental auditing, it can be seen as a management tool that enables management to. access environmental.performance against corporate standards and compliance with environmental legislation. The benefits of environmental auditing include enhancement of corporate image, better resource management and assessment of compliance with environmental legislation to avoid legal liabilities. The difficulties relating to the implementation of environmental auditing include the lack of environmental auditing standards and information databases, the lack of trained professions to conduct an environmental audit, the implementation problems of adopting environmental auditing in an organization, and the lack of willing parties to bear the cost of environmental auditing. This paper looks at the potential role of an environmental audit in Singapore, a newly industrialized country especially in its chemical, manufacturing and construction industry. The survey and interview results, however, indicate that environmental auditing may not be necessary in the near future as the industries are having less environmental problems compared to the United States counterparts. Also, environmental auditing may not be necessary because of the active role played by the Ministry of Environment. Hence, firms in Singapore generally are not in the opinion that the benefits of environmental auditing will accrue in the local environment. Furthermore, if environmental auditing is to be adopted, there are problems as to the availability of environmental auditing services and environmental auditors. In addition, neither the public nor firms are willing to bear the costs of environmental audit.