What is ISO14001?

ISO 14001 is the International Standard for Environmental Management Systems.

The most widely used EMS in the world, with over 11,000 organisations certified in the UK and an estimated 223,000 organisations certified in 159 countries world-wide.

ISO 14001 is the principal management system standard which specifies the requirements for the formulation and maintenance of an EMS. There are three fundamental commitments required in an environmental policy that meets the requirements of ISO 14001. These include:

These commitments help drive the improvements in overall environmental performance.

ISO 14001 can be used as a tool; it focuses on controlling your environmental aspects or the way that your activities products and services interact with the environment; for example, emissions to air, land or water. Organisations must describe what they intend to do, adhere to their procedures and record their efforts to demonstrate compliance and improvement. You will set objectives, targets and implement a programme to improve your environmental performance which often leads to financial benefits.

Organisations are required to identify applicable legal, statutory and related requirements. It is particularly important to identify how the legislation affects you so that compliance measures can be adopted and periodically evaluated ensuring requirements are understood by employees and implemented effectively.

ISO 14001 is accompanied by ISO 14004, Environmental Management systems - General Guidelines on principles, systems and support techniques. This standard covers issues such as the establishment, implementation, maintenance and improvement of an MS and discusses the principle issues involved.

Who is ISO 14001 applicable to?

Organisations of all types, sectors and sizes can improve their environmental performance through the implementation of this standard.

What are the benefits of ISO 14001 registration?

• Improved environmental performance led by top management commitment
• Cost savings can be achieved through improved efficiencies in energy and water usage and through waste minimisation
• Reduced risk of pollution incidents and other releases to the environment and therefore avoidance of unnecessary clean up costs and/or enforcement action by regulatory bodies
• Compliance with legislation through the identification of new legislation in adequate time to address appropriate issues
• Reduced risk of non-compliance with legislation and subsequent costs/prosecution
• Improved brand image as customers will see an organisation that is in control of its impact on the environment
• Improved business focus and communication of environmental issues
• Improved profitability through costs reductions and improved customer satisfaction.

WHAT TOP Q DOES

• Write up your Environmental Manual and Procedures Manual

• Ensure all your documentation meets the requirements of ISO14001:2004
• Audit and verify your processes are reflected in the documentation

• Ensure your processes meet the requirements of ISO14001:2004
• Coordinate all activities with the selected Certification Body

• Carry out pre-audit checks and assist with system reviews

• Train personnel as required

• Attend Certification audit and assist as necessary