ISO 14001:2015
What is 14001:2015?
- ISO 14001 is the international standard that specifies requirements for an effective Environmental Management System (EMS).
- Unlike other Standards, this provides the framework for an organization to follow rather than specifying requirements that need to be adhered to. It is hence a voluntary standard and is usually integrated with other QMS initiatives to accomplish business goals.
Why You Should Consider this Standard?
Credible environmental protection requires efficient and effective Environmental Management Systems.
It effectively integrates sustainability to corporate goals, minimizes risks and projects your conscious identity.
Consistent with the organization’s environmental policy, the intended outcomes of an environmental management system include:
- Enhancement of environmental performance.
- Fulfilment of compliance obligations.
- Achievement of environmental objectives.
Areas Covered
Why should I carry this Standard ?
- The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) defines an environmental management system as “a part of the management system used to manage environmental aspects, fulfill compliance obligations, and address risks and opportunities.”
- It helps organizations improve their environmental performance through more efficient use of resources and reduction of waste, gaining a competitive advantage.
Who Needs ISO 14001:2015?
Organizations seeking to manage its environmental responsibilities and contribute to the environmental pillar of sustainability.
It is applicable to an organization, regardless of size, type, and nature, and applies to the environmental aspects of its activities, products, and services that it can either control or influence.
The extent of integration of this Standard with the overall EMS is determined by the organization’s activity, location, environmental policy, products and service offerings.
The principles and criteria which enable the organizations to control their environmental aspects and work towards continual improvement.
How long does it take to get this implemented?
6 Months to 1 Year.
Organizations that have already achieved ISO 14001 certification are encouraged to transition to the 2015 version.
To get started you need to:.
- Initiate review of existing QMS
- Draft a policy statement and quantifiable objectives
- Set up organizational charts and job descriptions
- Provide adequate resources
- Manage documentation for both standards in a single document control system
- Appoint a management representative as well as coordinators for the quality and environmental managements systems
- When adding ISO 14001 components to those of ISO 9001, planning must be expanded to deal with environmental impacts
- The inspection and test systems need to be modified to cover environmental conformance
Combination to Consider
ISO 9001
OHSAS 45001
ISO 50001
ISO 31000
Initiate review of existing QMS
Draft a policy statement and quantifiable objectives
Set up organizational charts and job descriptions
Provide adequate resources
Advantage of ISO 14001:2015?
- Improved resource efficiency
- Reduced waste
- Reduced costs
- Competitive advantage in supply chain design
- New business opportunities
- Compliance with legalities
- Increased stakeholder and customer trust
- Improve overall environmental impact
- Consistency in environmental obligations
