We offer a range of environmental management systems and other services to assist clients in the management of existing industrial facilities, and to assist in the development of new ones.
New Ventures and Impact Assessment
We have extensive experience in assisting clients in the development of new ventures as well as the expansion of existing facilities, where these may range from complex industrial facilities to greenfield sites. Our technical depth and broad skills set ensures that environmental impacts are assessed and opportunities to incorporate sustainability at the design stage are evaluated.
Applications for environmental, planning and development approvals are developed cooperatively with clients to achieve cost effective and environmentally robust outcomes. Regulatory approval may need to come from a local Council, or State department, or alternatively you may need to satisfy federal government. Our role includes regulatory compliance consulting with Councils, state authorities and federal bodies in ensuring that adequate information is supplied in the approval process to expedite the outcome for the client. We also have significant experience in stakeholder engagement on projects, which due to their type or geographical location, may raise concern in the community.
Cleaner Production
We assist firms in identifying opportunities for cleaner production and encourage the active involvement of employees in such projects, as those most familiar with day to day practices are often best able to suggest improvements. We hold workshop sessions, coordinate data gathering and transfer concepts from other industries. Excellent environmental performance comes from adopting cleaner production and fostering a culture change within the organisation. This approach minimises environmental risk and takes the environmental performance of an organisation beyond compliance. It also adds value to a business and delivers cost savings.
EHS Auditing
EHS auditing, encompassing management system and compliance auditing, is a key tool used by directors and senior management to ensure that due diligence is being exercised in meeting all environmental and health and safety responsibilities. We have extensive audit experience on diverse facilities from large aluminium smelters and chemical processing facilities, to whitegoods manufacturing and poultry abattoirs. We have performed audits according to corporate audit protocols, management system standards or general compliance with legal and Licence requirements, and therefore are equipped to readily respond to all audit needs.
Community Consultation
Consultation with community stakeholders is frequently expected and required by many companies. We can develop a targeted consultative strategy, attend public and community meetings, present the results of studies, or advise the community on the environmental impacts of an activity. We can also work one on one with stakeholders on behalf of the organisation. Our experience in this area has been honed through extensive experience in community consultative groups and stakeholder liaison on numerous complex and sensitive projects.
Wastewater Management
Peter J Ramsay & Associates assists clients with water sustainability assessments to identify and gain an understanding of their water use and the potential water related risks to their business. We have experience in assisting our clients to identify risks associated with the sustainability and quality of water resources and water governance (water regulations) as well as climate related risks.
Our expert consultants, Ms Annika Taylor (Senior Consultant), Mr Chris Trim (Senior Consultant) and Mr Mark Van Schoten (Associate) have Specialist Level training from the Alliance for Water Stewardship (AWS). AWS is an internationally recognized global standard for water stewardship. Our knowledge and expertise with this standard allow us to assist businesses to meet their sustainability goals and demonstrate best practice in water stewardship. In addition to our work in Australia and the Pacific we regularly collaborate with our colleagues in the Inogen Alliance on water sustainability matters. This alliance allows us to provide a consistent service with local delivery to international businesses with operations around the world.
Environmental Management Systems
The implementation of an effective Environmental Management System (EMS) will eliminate or minimise existing exposures, and prevent new exposures arising. It also assists in ensuring that managers and directors exercise environmental due diligence in meeting their obligations.
Peter J Ramsay & Associates can audit or assist in the further development and implementation of EMSs, using the AS/NZS ISO14001 standard as a benchmark. Commencing with a Gap Analysis Audit we can examine your existing management system and the degree of implementation, and develop a strategy for development as required.
Where further development of an EMS is required, we can assist with undertaking baseline environmental assessments, preparing outline documents, registers and training materials and conducting workshops with staff and contractors to address shortcomings. We have also assisted firms to obtain accredited licences from the Victorian EPA through auditing the EMS using the AS/NZS ISO14001 benchmark.
Legal Updates
Peter J Ramsay & Associates has extensive knowledge of environmental regulations, and can undertake an assessment of a company’s environmental compliance. We identify the applicable legislation and assess the level of compliance, and provide strategies for achieving compliance and best practice. Legislative reviews can be provided in a tailored update service, directly matching your information needs.
Mergers and Acquisitions: Transaction Support
Identify EHS liabilities in mergers and acquisitions is an essential aspect of effective due diligence. We are responsive to meeting tight timelines for transaction support. EHS audits and compliance reviews provide basis for identifying risks in transactions.