USC RESEARCH BANK A Rapid Appraisal Methodology for Environmental Auditing

A rapid appraisal methodology was developed to conduct an environmental audit of an ecotourism accommodation facility adjacent to Lamington National Park in Queensland. The methodology involved scoping, establishing evaluation criteria, the audit procedure, evaluation, risk assessment and reporting. Without quantitative standards and appropriate baseline data, the methodology used a rating scale based on best practice. Though subjective, the audit was timely, cost efficient and drew the attention of management to areas where environmental performance could be improved. The audit process also highlighted the importance of quantifying environmental performance both to improve the objectivity of the audit and to identify operational savings to be made through efficient resource use. Copyright of Full Text rests with the original copyright owner and, except as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, copying this copyright material is prohibited without the pennission of the owner or its exclusive licensee or agent or by way of a licence from Copyright Agency Limited. For infonnation about such licences contact Copyright Agency Limited on (02) 93947600 (ph) or (02) 93947601