ISO 14001 – Environmental management system certification

 

What is ISO 14001?

ISO 14001 certification is an international standard for environmental management systems (EMS) which applies to all areas of business.

By becoming certified with ISO 14001, you can actively maintain awareness of your organisations environmental footprint and demonstrate the actions you’re taking to reduce it and promote sustainability. The framework included in this standard also highlights methods of managing resource usage and reducing waste. All of which will showcase your organisations dedication to its environmental commitments.

Once certified, organisations can proudly promote themselves as certificate holders in any of their promotional materials and can include the URS certification logo free of charge.

 

Who requires ISO 14001 certification?

Any organisation can benefit from being certified for ISO 14001, including private, non-profit and governmental organisations. This standard is also an important addition for any organisation that has a significant impact on the environment. Such sectors include:  

 

• Manufacturing


• Construction


• Energy and utilities


• Agriculture


• Transport and logistics


• Waste management and recycling

How can ISO 14001 benefit your business?

Becoming certified for ISO 14001 can bring a wide range of benefits to your organisation, including:

 

• Demonstrating your commitment to sustainability


• Reducing costs


• Improving the efficiency of your resource usage


• Ensuring your organisation meets the requirements of the standard

How can you prepare for an ISO 14001 Certification?

Although the thought of starting the certification process may seem daunting, there are a variety of steps you can take to make the process to becoming certified far more streamlined:

 

• Carry out an ISO 14001 Initial environmental review


• Perform a gap analysis to highlight any areas of your organisation that are not conforming to the standard


• Provide ISO 14001 training for your staff members

What are the key requirements ISO 14001?

When working towards becoming certified for ISO 14001, there are various areas that will be a focus during the audit. These areas include:

 

• Areas of your organisation that have an environmental impact


• Legal environmental requirements


• Emergency preparedness for environmental emergencies


• Corrective actions for non-conformities


• Management reviews


• Environmental objectives and targets

What clauses make up the structure of ISO 14001?

 

Clause 4 – Context of the company and organisation:

This clause outlines the role of the organisation within the ISO 14001 standard and how this can impact the environmental management system. To do this, clause 4 includes information on the needs and expectations of interested parties, understanding the context, and determining the scope.



Climate Change Amendments:

The amendments have not changed the requirements of clause 4.1 and 4.2, rather they have added an assurance that climate change is considered for the management system. Due to the necessity of climate awareness, it should be considered by organisations and is therefore included as part of the standard.

Rather than a transition being required, organisations should instead consider and apply the guidance provided in the amendment. Should a company minute their considerations during their Management Review regarding CCC as well as evidence of their considerations and any actions, a discrepancy shall NOT be raised. However, should no minute exist for any considerations, then a discrepancy will be raised.

Where a minute and evidence does exist but is clearly of little relevance to CCC an Opportunity for Improvement (OFI) will be raised.

 

Clause 5 – Leadership

Clause 5 sets out the expectations for organisations to demonstrate leadership and commitment when maintaining an environmental management system. Topics include; policies, roles, responsibilities, and authorities.

 

Clause 6 – Planning

This clause outlines every requirement that should be considered when planning for an environmental management system. This includes environmental aspects, compliance obligations, and necessary planning actions to take in order to achieve environmental objectives.

 

Clause 7 – Support

In this clause, the necessary resources, required competency and awareness of those carrying out the work is outlined; along with necessary communication processes. Clause 7 also summarises which documentation is required by the standard to demonstrate the effectiveness of your EMS.

 

Clause 8 – Operations

Section 8 sets out the requirements that your organisation must meet when operating its environmental management system and preparing for emergency situations.

 

Clause 9 – Performance Evaluation

This section outlines how your organisation will monitor, measure, analyse and evaluate processes related to your EMS. It also provides guidance on the planning and implementation of internal audits and management reviews

 

Clause 10 – Improvement

The final section covers the means of highlighting opportunities for continual improvement of an organisations EMS. As well as requirements accompanying the occurrence of nonconformities.

How long will your ISO 14001 certificate be valid for?

Your ISO 14001 certificate will be valid for at least three years; dependent on the type of site that is being certified.  

 

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