Environmental Audits/Form V

Whats is an Environmental Audit?

The concept of environmental audit in India was formally recognized under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 through a notification issued by the Ministry of Environment & Forests (MoEF) vide Notification No. GSR 329(E) dated 13 March 1992.

As per this notification, any person, industry, operation, or process requiring:

  • Consent under Section 25 of the Water (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1974,
  • Consent under Section 21 of the Air (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, or
  • Authorization under the Hazardous Wastes (Management and Handling) Rules, 1989,

is required to submit an annual environmental statement report to the respective State Pollution Control Board (SPCB). Later, in 1993, the term Environmental Audit Report was officially renamed to Environmental Statement (Form V).

Objectives of an Environmental Audit/Form V

The Environmental Audit serves as a systematic and independent evaluation of how well an organization’s activities, processes, and products align with environmental regulations and management goals. Its key objectives include:

  1. Measuring Environmental Performance
     To assess the performance of industrial or project activities in terms of conformity, effectiveness, and efficiency with respect to prescribed environmental standards and procedures.
  2. Evaluating Compliance Systems
     To examine whether the organization has adequate systems and controls in place to meet its legal, technical, and financial obligations toward environmental protection.
  3. Supporting Legal and Regulatory Compliance
     To ensure that industries and projects consistently meet the requirements of the Water Act, Air Act, Hazardous Waste Rules, and other relevant laws.
  4. Improving Environmental Management Systems (EMS)
     To provide insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the organization’s environmental management practices, enabling continual improvement.
  5. Driving Sustainable Development
     By monitoring environmental impacts and suggesting mitigation measures, audits help industries reduce risks, enhance resource efficiency, and adopt sustainable business practices.
  6. Encouraging Accountability and Transparency
     To demonstrate the organization’s commitment to responsible environmental management, both to regulatory authorities and to stakeholders.

 

Why Environmental Audits/Statements are Important

  • They help identify gaps in compliance before they escalate into penalties or legal action.
  • They promote cost savings by highlighting areas where energy, water, and raw materials can be conserved.
  • They provide a structured framework for continuous environmental improvement.
  • They strengthen an organization’s reputation as a responsible and compliant entity.

 

How Simplicomp Can Help

At Simplicomp, we provide expert support in preparing and submitting Environmental Statements in line with statutory requirements. Our services include:

✔ Conducting detailed environmental audits as per MoEF & SPCB guidelines.
 ✔ Identifying non-compliance areas and recommending corrective actions.
 ✔ Assisting with documentation and submission to regulatory bodies.
 ✔ Guiding organizations in enhancing their Environmental Management Systems (EMS).
 ✔ Ensuring continual improvement toward sustainability and compliance.

Simplicomp ensures that your organization not only meets its legal obligations but also builds a sustainable pathway for growth.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions

 Any industry, operation, or process requiring consent under the Water Act, 1974, the Air Act, 1981, or authorization under the Hazardous Waste Management Rules must file an Environmental Statement annually with the State Pollution Control Board.

The Environmental Statement is required to be submitted once every year, typically covering the performance of the organization for the preceding financial year.

The purpose is to evaluate compliance with environmental laws, identify gaps in performance, improve the Environmental Management System (EMS), and ensure sustainable and efficient use of resources.

A compliance report focuses on whether specific conditions are being met, while an Environmental Audit provides a holistic review of environmental performance, systems, and continual improvement measures.

 ✔ Identifies compliance gaps before they become penalties.
✔ Improves efficiency in resource use.
✔ Enhances credibility with regulators and stakeholders.
✔ Helps organizations move toward sustainability and best practices.

  • Preparing and submitting Environmental Statements,
  • Conducting independent audits,
  • Recommending corrective measures, and
  • Ensuring organizations remain fully compliant and future-ready.

 

Need Personilazed Solution?

We are a team of professionals providing techno-legal solutions for businesses facing challenges in obtaining timely Environmental Audits, Statements, Form V, and Pollution Control Board approvals. 

📞 Give us a call for an environmental audit