In 1994, Canon inaugurated a dual system of environmental auditing by operational sites and environmental auditing by Canon Headquarters. Since 2003, in advance of gaining ISO 14001 consolidated certification we established the Group Audit Management Division, which oversees the internal environmental audits of the Canon Group. In 2005, we started conducting Product Environmental Audits of Canon operating segments and key regional sales companies.
Internal environmental auditors carry out environmental audits at operational sites and operating segments in accordance with the Canon Group internal Environmental Audit Policy, and Canon Group Environmental Audit Procedures based on ISO 19011. Audit results are reported to the head of each site or segment.
The Group Audit Management Division gathers the results from audit management divisions at operational sites and operating segments and manages the Group’s audit results, including the Head Office environmental audit. These results are reported to the Consolidated EMS Management Representative as management review data. Also, Canon is instigating the following measures to raise the credibility of its internal environmental audit.
Measures to Bolster the Credibility of Internal Environmental Audits
Internal Audit Systems
In 2006, we set out an environmental auditing policy for the entire Group for confirming legal compliance and achievement of Mid-Term Environmental Goals, the auditing competence of our auditors and other criteria. This policy was the basis for internal audits. Below are the nonconformities found as a result of these audits.
Some hazardous substances were found to exceed the amount allowed by the Fire Law of Japan, but this situation was promptly remedied by reducing amounts stored and thoroughly enforcing rules related to quantitative checks.
Some nonconformities arose, such as ambiguous evaluation of compliance* assessment procedures, but guidelines were published and measures are being taken to prevent the recurrence of such problems.
Internal audit in process
Representatives from supplier environmental assessment management sections of each Canon’s operational site visit suppliers to audit their compliance with Canon’s Green Procurement Standards.
Moreover, representatives of operational sites visit waste processing companies to check that legally and contractually appropriate treatment is being carried out based on Canon’s assessment sheet for proper treatment by waste processing companies.
