What is ISO 14001:2015?
ISO 14001 is the internationally recognized standard for environmental management systems (EMS). It provides a framework for organizations to design and implement an EMS, and continually improve their environmental performance.
By adhering to this standard, organizations can ensure they are taking proactive measures to minimize their environmental footprint, comply with relevant legal requirements, and achieve their environmental objectives. The framework encompasses various aspects, from resource usage and waste management to monitoring environmental performance and involving stakeholders in environmental commitments.
Why is ISO 14001 important?
ISO 14001 is crucial as it demonstrates an organization’s commitment to regulatory compliance and continuous environmental improvement. This proactive approach can lead to benefits like reduced waste, energy conservation, and cost savings. Additionally, it boosts reputation, builds stakeholder trust, and is often essential for global trade and supply chain involvement. In essence, ISO 14001 reflects a dedication to sustainability, merging environmental responsibility with business growth.
Benefits include:
• Improved environmental performance
• Regulatory compliance
• Effective risk management
• Cost reductions
• Enhanced operational efficiency
• Increased trust from stakeholders and customers
Who should adopt ISO 14001?
Organizations of all sizes and sectors aiming to minimize their environmental impact, comply with legislations, and showcase their commitment to sustainability should consider adopting ISO 14001.
Who needs ISO 14001?
ISO 14001 benefits any organization in any industry seeking a systematic approach to enhance environmental performance, including:
• Manufacturing and production industries
• Energy, utilities, and extractive sectors
• Agriculture, fishing, forestry, and food production
• Construction and building firms
• Transport, distribution, and logistics services
• Healthcare, hospitality and other service industries
• Public sector and government agencies
What does ISO 14001 cover?
The standard outlines the minimum requirements for managing all relevant environmental aspects of a company’s activities, products, and services in the following areas:
Planning: Establishing environmental objectives, actions, responsibilities, and procedures to enhance sustainability.
Implementation: Executing the planned sustainability measures and procedures.
Control: Reviewing the responsibilities, procedures, and measures related to environmental objectives and policies (referred to as the “Environmental Policy”).
Improvement: Adapting responsibilities, procedures, measures, and environmental objectives and policies as necessary.
In which areas can CERT-ERN support quality management?
In addition to assisting, you in establishing your environmental management system, we can also help improve your existing system, especially in addressing recurring problems or audit findings, and support you in internal and external audits.
We are also available to share our expertise as an external Environmental Management Representative (EMR).
If you have any suggestions on how we can better assist you, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us anytime.