Environmental management systems and auditing – UGC NET Question

Statements A, B and D are correct because EMS frameworks like ISO 14001 are designed to improve performance through planning, implementation, auditing and continual improvement. Environmental audits check whether policies and procedures are effective in practice. Statement C is incorrect because EMS standards explicitly require a commitment to comply with applicable legal and other requirements. Thus, the combination A, B and D only is correct.

Option A:
Option A is incomplete as it includes only A and B and omits D. Without recognising the principle of continual improvement, the description of EMS is not fully aligned with standard practice.

Option B:
Option B is incorrect because it adds C, which wrongly suggests that EMS does not involve legal compliance commitments. Including C contradicts the basic requirements of ISO 14001 and similar standards.

Option C:
Option C is incorrect as it groups B, C and D and treats C as correct. Although B and D are valid, the acceptance of C makes the overall combination inconsistent with EMS principles.

Option D:
Option D is correct since it brings together the three accurate statements and excludes C, which misinterprets the compliance aspect. It reflects the cyclical, performance-improvement nature of EMS and the role of audits.