ISO 14001 : A step-by-step guide on requirements and certification
Tamma Carel (PIEMA, FIIRSM, MSc, BSc)
Co-Founder at iCOR, Founder at Imvelo Ltd | Environmental Consultant - Auditing and Training Business to make them Sustainable | Hedgehog Fosterer | STEM Ambassador
ISO 14001: A step-by-step guide on requirements and certification
Understanding ISO 14001 can be pretty tricky. New businesses must understand the new policies and updated standards. This brief guide will break down the main requirements for firms to abide by ISO 14001. The guide is briefed in 10 sections that explain the environmental management systems ISO 14001 framework theoretically and practically.
It is important to note that ISO 14001 doesn’t provide direct emphasis on the environmental implications but focuses on areas of improvement in the pre-existing framework.
It is also important to understand what is ISO 14001 before jumping on to implementation. Here's a quick blurb on the environmental management system and the framework that leads to iso 14001 certification.
What is an Environmental Management System (EMS)?
An environmental management system is a plan of actionable ecological goals. The system helps the organization manage, plan and execute ecological issues systematically and sustainably. Executing the Environmental Management System includes continuous reviews, assessments, and improvements in environmental performance.
EMS of the organization is modified to relate to that particular company or organization. Even though the EMS is unique, it commonly focuses on global environmental issues such as air pollution, sea-level rise, loss of biodiversity, global warming, etc.
Not only that, but EMS also aims to achieve sustainable development goals by finding a good balance between the environment, society and the economy.
Different types of Environmental Management System (EMS) frameworks?
The current three EMS frameworks are:
1. ISO 14001
2. Eco-management and Audit Scheme (EMAS)
3. ISO 14005
What is ISO 14001?
All businesses interact with businesses in a certain way. The changing expectations of the buyers, requirements, and regulations have compelled businesses to manage the environmental impact actively. Certifications and standards can help companies achieve these targets.
ISO 14001: 2015 is an environmental management standard that is universally accepted. The ISO standards are derived from the International Organisation of Standardisation and species the factors and standards for the business systems relating to the environment. These standards apply to all the activities and actions in relation to environmental impact in a systematic method of following an environmental policy.
Regardless of the size and sector, any organization can use the standard, including private, public, and even non-governmental organizations. Also, the standard can be applied in whole or part.
Certification to the ISO 14001 standard helps provide parties with an efficient and effective environmental management system.
What does ISO 14001 focus on?
ISO 14001 focuses on the set of requirements that help organizations to create an effective environmental management system that helps them to curate and set specific benchmarks that allow assessing the performance, material consumption, renewable energy, segregation of waste, and repurposing of materials. The standard smooths out the above-mentioned processes.
How can businesses benefit from ISO 14001?
The standards mentioned in ISO 14001 restrict businesses to save a lot of capital and energy by helping them to redefine the business cycle and targeting it more toward the reduction or elimination of wasteful resources.
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It also requires businesses to create a framework that works towards achieving a targeted goal. There is a dire need to ensure that necessary communications are done that can help motivate the staff, for better engagement. It inherently improves and provides a competitive edge to businesses.
Here’s how it works
The prerequisite is to ensure that the leadership of the organization is already following an ISO management system. It is essential because the individual or the team is paramount in developing and maintaining the activities that influence the business
The standard ensures that the assessment of environmental impact and sustainability standards is at the heart of the management system - by creating an environmental aspects register. The positive and negative influences the businesses have on the environment and document ways to achieve. ISO 14001 helps to create plans that help in better improvements so that the management systems, along with sustainability don’t stop evolving.
Evolution of ISO 14001
In the past few decades, the matter of climate change has been one of the most evolving debates in economics. There is a clear indication to stir improved education on problems like air pollution and resource management. Also, there is a growing trend of conscious purchasing decisions that have an impact on the environment.
ISO 14001 requirement checklist for business: A practical guide
Businesses following the standard have observed success with work activities that were previously unavailable to them. The internal processes, efficient systems, and reduction in wasteful costs are some of the benefits of successfully following ISO 14001.
The standard showcases that green accreditation is not just a priority of many small owners in reflecting actions that have a positive impact.
Requirement of ISO 14001
ISO 14001 doesn’t provide a rigid framework but rather approaches and considerations to draft a personalized framework.
This is the reason why companies are required to analyse and evaluate the core nature of the activities, the stakeholders, and the responses.
One of the crucial shifts in 14001:2015 is that businesses need to analyse the demands and concerns of the shareholders.
The company needs to identify the key concerns and curate a plan with the help of the standard requirement. It involves analysing the environmental impacts and aspects.
The plan also needs to be modified in compliance with local and state authorities.
Other clauses and ISO 14001 requirements
Support is another crucial aspect of the ISO 14001 standard. It briefs guidelines for resources, communication, and reporting in the existing EMS system. Companies need to assess and understand what documentation is necessary for an effective EMS.
In connection with a new standard, the companies help document what is crucial and necessary for an effective system of management and showcase its effectiveness.
Another highlight of the standard is to look into activities that have an impact on the environment and create a better impact on work regulations.
Monitoring, analysing, evaluating, and developing the EMS. it also involves creating system internal audits and reviewing the management cycle. It also involves continuous improvement in the systems, addressing the nonconformity, and taking up corrective actions for improved actions. Along with maintaining a positive brand persona, many businesses may save money by putting in place an environmental control system.
This may be accomplished by lowering the number of accidents that could cause responsibility expenses, being able to buy insurance at a more affordable price, and minimizing input resources and energy consumption. When choosing to establish an environmental policy, it is important to consider this increase in budgeting as an advantage.