Module 1: Environmental good governance

The first chapter of the course describes the main ideas in environmental good governance and the tools that governments use to regulate the environmental behaviour of both companies and citizens. Environmental good governance follows the principles of good governance, but the difference is that in the case of environmental good governance, sustainability is advocated as the supreme consideration in managing all human activities – political, social and economic.

Before undertaking an environmental audit, auditors need to familiarise themselves with the governance system in their country. They also need a good understanding of the general environmental concepts and tools that are accepted worldwide and to be familiar with the concept of sustainable development.

In subsequent sections of this course, the concept of sustainable development, major environmental concepts and principles and the most widespread environmental governance tools will be introduced.