ISO 14001 is an internationally recognized standard introduced by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). It helps organizations to create and implement an effective Environmental Management System (EMS) by providing frameworks. ISO 14001 also helps companies to 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. If a problem arises, an EMS will outline what must be done to combat the error and will also clarify what must be done to analyse what happened and reduce the risk of it reoccurring.
Why is ISO 14001 important?
With the increase of environmental consciousness and global challenges, like climate change, biodiversity loss, and resource depletion, people are expecting more from the businesses they interact and work with. ISO 14001 offers a structured approach for businesses to address these pressing concerns. While ISO 14001 is not mandatory, it shows the organization’s commitment towards environmental improvement while also complying to regulatory compliance. Having ISO 14001 certification can result in tangible benefits, such as reduced waste, energy conservation, cost savings and new opportunities for a business.
According to research, it was found that:
- 58% of organisations sought certification to meet client demand for compliance.
- A quarter of companies have successfully won more business after achieving ISO 14001.
- A further 15% have been able to tender for previously unavailable work.
- A fifth of respondents were more successful at winning tenders after becoming ISO 14001-certified.
Who should you adopt ISO 14001?
Organizations of all sizes and across all sectors that wish to reduce their environmental impact, ensure regulatory compliance, and demonstrate their commitment to a sustainable future should consider adopting ISO 14001.
How to achieve ISO 14001 certification?
Achieving certification involves demonstrating that you have implemented the necessary processes for an EMS that meets ISO 14001 standards. Part of this involves providing your auditor with documented evidence of these processes. These documents include:
- Environmental Policy
- Environmental Aspects Register
- Environmental objectives and plans for achieving them
- Operational control procedures
- Procedure for emergency preparedness, response and business continuity
- List of interested parties and relevant legislation
- Competence records
- Evidence of communication
- Management review results
- Nonconformities and corrective action
- Monitoring performance information
- Compliance obligations record
- Internal audit programme and results
The certification process typically involves a gap analysis, implementation of the EMS as per the standard, internal audits, management reviews, and finally, a certification audit by an external body. Many certification bodies are accredited, which means that an accreditation body has provided independent confirmation of their competence. This may bring an additional layer of confidence for stakeholders.
How can WPSCC help?
Using WPSCC Ltd as your ISO14001 Advisor you will benefit from our long history of producing a client’s first EMS to developing it into the ISO 14001 accreditation.
For a lot of our clients their start on the ‘journey’ is compulsory – an EMS is a requirement for their Environmental Permit (whether Local Authority or Environment Agency), others require it for another Compliance issue, such as BREEAM – so it’s NOT JUST A BOX TICKING EXERCISE for us. The reason is for Compliance and the ISO accreditation makes it ‘officially recognised’, in addition to all the benefits that will be gained.
“Practice what you Preach” is an old saying, but still relevant and WPSCC ltd is doing this because we are now a long way down our own journey to achieving ISO 14001 ourselves.
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