In which step are actions taken to continually improve the performance of the environmental management system?

In the context of an environmental management system, the step where actions are taken to continually improve performance is the "Act" phase. This phase is crucial as it involves making decisions and taking corrective actions based on the results obtained from the earlier stages of the management system—particularly from the "Check" phase, where performance is monitored and evaluated against objectives.

During the "Act" phase, organizations analyze the data and findings from the previous steps to identify opportunities for improvement, address non-conformities, and implement changes that enhance the effectiveness of the environmental management system. This includes revising policies, procedures, and practices to ensure better compliance and enhanced outcomes in future cycles. This continual improvement is essential for organizations seeking to maintain a sustainable and robust environmental management strategy.

The other phases—"Plan," "Check," and "Do"—play specific roles in establishing the framework, implementing processes, and evaluating results but do not focus specifically on taking actionable steps for continuous improvement as the "Act" phase does.