CONSULTANCY SERVICES

General Management System Standards

ISO 14001

Introduction

ISO 14000 is a series of international standards on environmental management. One of the series of standards is ISO 14001, an internationally accepted specification for an Environmental Management System (EMS). It specifies requirements for establishing an environmental policy, determining the environmental aspects and impacts, planning the environmental objectives and targets, implementation and operation of programs to meet them, checking, corrective action and management review. Compliance to environmental regulation is also an element that is addressed in the standard.

Another commonly known document within the series is ISO 14004 which provides guidelines on the development and implementation of an EMS.

Benefits of Implementation

ISO 14001 provides uncountable benefits - both tangible and intangible. A typical organisation would enjoy the following:

• improved corporate image among regulators, customers and the public
• improved perception and understanding of key environmental issues by all within the organisation
• a framework for continuous improvement of the organisation’s environmental performance and an improved ability to comply with regulatory requirements
• measures taken to generate less waste will lead to reduced product, material handling and waste disposal costs that can be ploughed back into the business
• increased efficiency and better use of energy and raw materials will invariably lead to savings and a more profitable business
• a strong environmental image can help to attract environmentally conscious customers and in this, expand market share
• increased awareness and environmentally conscious actions will lead to betterment of the environment for the community and the nation at large

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why implement ISO 14001 EMS?

Improved environmental awareness brings a world-wide focus to the environment, encouraging a cleaner, safer and healthier world. Facts have shown that companies need an environmental management certification to compete in the global marketplace. In addition, ISO 14001 provides a framework for continual environmental performance and this helps in ensuring compliance to regulatory requirements as well as to reduce business risks.

We already have a compliance program – why do we need an ISO 14001 EMS?

An EMS can help you to comply with regulations more consistently and effectively. It can help you to identify and capitalize on environmental opportunities that go beyond compliance.

How will an EMS affect my existing compliance obligations?

An EMS will not result in a more or less stringent legal compliance obligation. But an EMS should improve your efforts to comply with legal obligations, and in some cases, lead to a more flexible compliance requirements.

What types of organisations does the ISO 14001 EMS apply to?

It applies to organizations of all types and sizes with the intent to improve the environmental aspects that they have control over.

Can the ISO 14001 EMS be integrated with other Management Systems?

YES. This standard can be integrated with other systems such as ISO 9001, OHSAS 18001 and many others.