Review: The need for companies to consider environmental management as part of their work has never been more widely appreciated and yet it is likely that the education needed to permit such areas has yet to reach all interested parties. Further, many of the technical texts have been produced but the more managerial aspects have been neglected. This gives us an imbalance between what ought to be done and what is perceived as necessary. This text is one way forward in the debate. An unintended benefit is that it also allows interested general readers to see what is being done.

The focus of the book is to divide the management of environmental systems into a series of set tasks. Within each task there are a series of questions and some pointers towards how one can achieve the objectives of environmental management (or at least be seen to ask the right questions!). The first chapter sets up the reader with a plan for the text and an outline of the key international and EU management systems (ISO/EMAS). It also introduces the two case studies that are used throughout the text to represent small and large enterprises as they move towards certification. Chapter two starts not with the process that one might think appropriate but with the commitment of the organisation. The central argument is that if the organisation is not supporting the scheme (especially senior management) then it is likely that the whole project will fail. Chapter three moves into the first part - scoping i.e. working out the parameters of the scheme and what needs to be done to ensure all aspects are covered. Next comes the requirement to explore the key aspects affecting the environment and the nature of the impacts they cause. Given that this area of environmental concern is bound closely with EU and international legislation it is not surprising that chapter five discusses the legal framework - what is needed and how can the company comply? This leads on to one of the more pivotal decisions - deciding what to deal with and how. In any organisation there are those things which can be altered and those outside the scope of the company: here one sees how do deal with each case. From this point on the book discusses how to establish routines and protocols to ensure compliance. Chapter 7 deals with target setting. Chapters 8 considers personal responsibility and timeline construction whilst chapter 9 reminds us that communication is important. Chapter 10 looks at training. Perhaps one might have expected this to be higher in the order because if people are not trained they cannot put good practice into place. However, the point is made that one needs to start somewhere and until you know what is needed you can't make sure you have the right training mix. Chapter 11 and 12 deal with control - documents and organisations respectively - that make sure that whatever is done can be checked and verified (especially as much of the work of these standards requires outside agencies verifying results). Chapter 13 puts a review system into place. The last action then is to re-start the process but from a better place - management needs to review the system. A series of appendices look at the technical aspects of the ISO/EMAS systems and how to relate this to standard business practice.

The whole book is centred on the simple, but effective, management procedure of setting up, planning, doing, checking and acting (and chapters are divided into this framework). The tone is basic and straightforward, aimed at the management person who is not trained in environmental management. As such it gives a very clear, practical perspective on how to deal with such requirements and what might be learned profitably. This is no substitute for a full text on environmental control but this does allow the relative beginner to see what needs to be done. It is also a great teaching exercise. The clarity of writing and the layout of the text make analysis of companies' performances in this area simple. It would allow students to construct their own schools environmental management system (something that is becoming increasingly popular). As such a very useful text with a range of teaching and environmental possibilities.