EcoMapping™

EcoMapping® is a simple, practical (and thus time and cost efficient) starter kit for environmental management.

The EcoMapping® tool is about scanning environmental impacts, problems and practices in SMEs in a participatory learning process.

It is a systematic method that builds up a picture of key environmental information by using symbols on a simple plan of the site. Useful information is gathered through observation of everyday practices and procedures, as well as through reference to legislative requirements and good practice.

The tool involves completing seven eco-maps, which show what is happening and where—highlighting environmental ‘hot spots’ within a company. The maps (water, energy, air, waste) create a useful multi-layer set of graphical information and lead to environmental action programs. The visual format is useful in raising employee and stakeholder awareness and involving people who do not necessarily have a huge amount of specialist understanding.