ISO 14001: What is it, how does it work, why use it?
– Admin
October 17, 2019
What is ISO 14001 and what are the requirements of iso 14001? This is perhaps a question that is commonly asked by many organizations and entrepreneurs who are eager to take their business to the next level. The objective of ISO 14001 is to minimize the environmental footprints as much as possible which is left behind these days by the majority of the businesses. The reason for the same can be that businesses have not been taking appropriate steps to help sustain the environment. When implemented correctly by taking the help of professionals like Reach ISO, it can help promote the reduction in wastage of all essential business resources. At the same time, it also minimizes pollution which often seems to be the by-product of any business. the initial phase of ISO 14001 is to develop a clear environmental policy and to plan the EMS. The 2nd is to implement the EMS, while the 3rd is to check and review and 4th phase being to the continuous improvement of EMS. The general requirements include:
- Appointing an executive(s) responsible for EMS coordination.
- Forming environmental policy to reflect the commitments of the organization.
- Identifying potential and actual environmental impacts.
- Identifying the interaction process of the organization with the environment.
- Establishing environmental programs, targets, and objectives
- Identifying environmental compliance requirements.
- Constant improvement of environmental performance by the organization.
- Review of environmental and system performance.
- Evaluate and measure progress made to achieve set objectives.
Who needs iso 14001 certifications?
Any organization that is eager to establish, maintain or improve its existing environmental management system for conforming to the set environmental requirements and policy can use ISO 14001. The standard requirements may be incorporated within any of the environmental management systems. Its extent, however, is determined by numerous factors including environmental policy, industry to which the organization belongs to, location, service, and product offerings. In short, ISO 14001 is found relevant to each and every organization, irrespective of its location, industry, sector or size. The topics covered by ISO 14001 are Planning, Leadership, Organizational context, Improvement, Performance evaluation, Operation, and Support. For details, one can contact Reach ISO, one of the leading providers in the domain. There are several benefits to be derived with its implementation like:
- Strengthen stakeholder relationships: Implementing this certification can boost the reputation of the organization along with stakeholder relationships. In case, the stakeholder desires the certification, then it can help improve the relationship. Even if this certification is not demanded, its implementation can enhance stakeholder confidence.
- Ensure management commitment: The organization’s top management is required to stay committed and lead the maintenance and implementation of the very best environmental practices. Employee engagement is increased with leadership team engagement. With everyone working on similar objectives, the probabilities to achieve success increases.
- Protects process improvement: The organization can benefit from the certification audit process. It ensures proper implementation and correct maintenance of the management system and also identifies several opportunities to help improve and do away with potential risks.
- Identify opportunities and risks: Not every organization is the same. With ISO 14001, organizations can identify environmental issues that apply to their specific industry. It helps to provide guidance to organizations to monitor management and to control such issues, to identify opportunities and risks which may prevent or improve environmental goal objectives.
- Enhance business development: The organization can easily meet the demands of its new clients seeking a supplier who is ISO 14001 certified. This certification does provide that competitive advantage.
What is the ISO 14001 certification process?
As per ISO 14001 standard, given below are the 6 core elements of EMS:
- Planning: To implement EMS, there will be needed to complete, thorough plans to help evaluate the environmental impact of operations.
- Environmental policy: It needs to be outlined very clearly. This written statement mentions business targets and objectives.
- Study and rectify: On implementation of basic EMS, observes its functions and come up with optimizations or rectifications as needed.
- Implementation: It involves the execution of set plans, incorporates adjustments and develops new processes for adapting to changing needs.
- Continuous improvement: Its principles are used by every EMS to enable businesses to optimize in every aspect associated with the system.
- Management review: The management is to conduct a distinguished EMS review to ensure smooth functioning within the set scope.
Get in touch with Reach ISO now to get started on your ISO 14001 certification journey.