Environmental management is something no employer can ignore, with concern for the environment literally reaching global proportions.

In Malta and the EU, ever-more stringent controls are being introduced to address these concerns, and employers who fail to implement these controls effectively will face tough penalties.

With higher energy costs, increasing cost of raw materials, and fiercer competition, it makes sense for organisations, whether large or small, to scrutinise their environmental performance to devise ways of reducing overheads and become more efficient.

The Institute of Health and Safety (IHS) is launching a new Nebosh certificate in environmental management on February 22 that will benefit organisations seeking to implement effective environmental management systems by ensuring that line managers have a sound understanding of the principles of managing environmental risk.

The five-day course covers practical issues of managing environmental issues, with the syllabus taking a risk management approach, based on best practice and international industry standards, including environmental management systems and impact assessments, sources and use of energy and energy efficiency, control of pollution, and planning for and dealing with environmental emergencies.

The National Examining Board in Occupational Safety and Health (Nebosh) is one of the world's leading awarding bodies in health, safety, and environmental management, and IHS is an accredited Nebosh centre.

The new course is aimed at anyone who wants to examine environmental issues within a work-related context. It is also very useful for managers, supervisors and employees who have responsibility for managing environment issues as part of their duties. An internationally recognised certificate will be awarded to successful participants. The qualification is relevant to all industry sectors.

For further details, call 2131 1966 or e-mail info@ihs.com.mt.