Book Reviews: "Effective Environmental Management: Principles and Case Studies", Sullivan, Rory & Wyndham, Hugh

Abstract

This book deals with Environmental Management Systems (EMSs) from the perspective of practitioners. It aims to link the theory of how to implement EMS with the practical experiences from case study chapters provided by environmental managers in a cross-section of Australian industry and local government. Written by EMS practitioners, this book will be of interest mainly to business managers, directors and environmental managers intending to implement an EMS. Although some reference is made to the various international standards for conducting EMS, the book has a strong Australian focus. The book is divided into three sections. Following a brief introduction, Chapters 2– 4, written by Sullivan and Wyndham, introduce the theory of EMS. Seven industry case study chapters follow, which are written by personnel involved in EMS for the organisations featured. The last two chapters (12 and 13) by Sullivan and Wyndham draw together the overall lessons learnt and reflect on future directions for EMS. The purpose of the book, which is clearly stated in the Preface and in Chapter 1, is to identify the key principles that must underlie any effective EMS. While the book overall achieves this goal, the book title is misleading as there is no consideration of environmental activities associated with other processes (e.g. environmental impact assessment or planning requirements). Furthermore,