What is ISO 14001?
ISO 14001 is the globally recognised standard for environmental management and describes the features that need to be in place in any organisation that wishes to demonstrate that it is “environmentally responsible”.
The 14001 standard has been updated (September15) from the 2004 to 2015 version and we are now supporting our clients with the significant changes that make the standard even more robust and appropriate for organisations of all sizes.
These features include:
- The organisation is both aware of and compliant with all appropriate environmental legislation.
- An effective way to both identify and reduce the organisations most significant environmental impacts.
- Full involvement of all management and staff in reducing the organisations on going impact on the environment.
As with all ISO standards, any business can achieve ISO 14001 certification regardless of their sector or size and ISO Certification Consulting frequently implement ISO 14001 at the same time as the other ISO standards in a combined system.
The current standard was agreed by ISO (The International Organisation for Standardisation) in 2004 and we are anticipating an update in 2015 to reflect the changing views on effective environmental management.
Why Implement ISO 14001?
Concern for the way in which human’s impact on the environment has become a prominent feature in most aspects of modern day life.
The increasing emphasis on the need to act in an environmentally responsible way can be seen in the environmental policies and commitments of many global brands. Those already demanding high environmental standards from their supply chains include McDonalds, Coca-Cola, P&G, John Lewis, Nestle, and Marks and Spencer to name only a few.
ISO 14001 is the only globally recognised standard for environmental management and it has become permanent fixture in the tender forms of many customers who need assurance that the businesses they work with are taking their environmental responsibilities seriously.
For businesses looking to gain larger contracts and to expand into new markets, not being certified to ISO 14001 often means they are filtered from the tendering process.
Along with meeting tender requirements, We have also seen its clients benefit from implementing ISO 14001 in a number of ways including:
- Significant financial savings on energy and water bills
- Increased competitiveness
- Enhanced brand image
- Reduced risk of environmental incidents, causing costly clean-ups and the involvement of regulatory bodies
- Reassurance that they are compliant with the latest environmental legislation
As the government face stricter environmental targets, the pressure placed on businesses to act on reducing their environmental impact is only set to increase. Many companies are therefore choosing to act now as a way of safeguarding their future.