The use of corporation environmental management tools by manufacturing firms in Sekondi-Takoradi metropolis

Abstract

Issues about the environment are no longer just the air we breathe, or the world we live in, it has become a requirement for businesses to address in an ever more critical global economy. This study assessed the corporate environmental management tools used by manufacturing firms in the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis to manage the environmental problems associated with their production. Structured Questionnaire was used to obtain data for this study. The lottery method of sampling was used to select the firms from a total of 24 firms. The data obtained were analyzed with Excel computer application and Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS Version 12). A five point likert scale was also used in analyzing some data. This research found out that the current state of firms’ environmental performance in the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis is very bad. Firms are also not using modern trends in the area of environmental management. There is a problem of cost to deal with, as well as, bureaucracy and unwillingness on the part of management. The motivation of firms in the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis to pursue good environmental practices is to comply with environmental standards only. Since the majority of the firms are interested in achieving environmental standards, government must use these standards to put more pressure on the firms to manage their impact on the environment properly. Very weak and old regulations should be replaced with new and stiffer ones that meet the current environmental demands.