What does the 'Plan' step involve in relation to an organization's environmental policy?

The 'Plan' step in relation to an organization's environmental policy is primarily focused on establishing the objectives and processes necessary to achieve desired results. This involves identifying specific environmental goals that align with the organization's overall mission and selecting the appropriate methods to reach those goals. It is about laying the groundwork for what the organization aims to accomplish with respect to its environmental impact and determining the necessary steps and resources required to reach those objectives.

By clearly defining objectives, the organization can create actionable plans that guide its activities and ensure that efforts are directed toward meaningful outcomes. This foundational planning is critical to the overall success of the policy and serves as a benchmark against which progress can be measured in subsequent steps, such as 'Do', 'Check', and 'Act.' Effective planning also helps to ensure that all stakeholders understand their roles and responsibilities in implementing the environmental policy.