ISO 14001 Environmental Management Systems

What is ISO 14001:2015?

ISO 14001:2015 sets out the criteria for an environmental management system. It maps out a framework that a company or organization can follow to set up an effective environmental management system to help reduce the impact of its business on the environment. It also provides assurance to the company management as well as stakeholders of its commitment to monitor and measure its environmental performance. It can be used by any organization regardless of its activity or sector.

Key requirements of ISO 14001:2015 include:

1. Environmental Policy: Organizations must establish and maintain an environmental policy that outlines their commitment to environmental protection and compliance with relevant environmental regulations.
2. Environmental Aspects: Organizations are required to identify and assess the environmental aspects of their activities, products, and services, including their impact on the environment.
3. Legal and Other Requirements: Organizations must identify and keep track of applicable environmental laws and regulations, as well as other requirements related to their environmental aspects.
4. Objectives and Targets: Setting environmental objectives and targets, which should be measurable and consistent with the organization’s environmental policy.
5. Environmental Management Programs: Developing and implementing programs to achieve the established objectives and targets.
6. Resources, Roles, Responsibility, and Authority: Ensuring that the necessary resources, roles, responsibilities, and authorities are defined to support the EMS.
7. Competence, Training, and Awareness: Ensuring that employees are competent, aware of their environmental responsibilities, and adequately trained.
8. Communication: Establishing and maintaining internal and external communication processes relevant to the EMS.
9. Documentation and Record Keeping: Creating and maintaining documentation, including procedures and records, to demonstrate compliance with the standard.
10. Monitoring and Measurement: Regularly monitoring and measuring the organization’s environmental performance against its objectives and targets.
11. Evaluation of Compliance: Ensuring that the organization is aware of its compliance status with regard to legal and other requirements.
12. Nonconformity and Corrective Action: Identifying and addressing nonconformities and taking corrective actions to prevent their recurrence.
13. Continual Improvement: Continuously improving the EMS to enhance environmental performance.

Benefits of ISO 14001

1. Reduced cost of waste management.
2. Savings in consumption of energy and materials.
3. A systematic approach in addressing environmental protection.
4. Continual improvement of the environment management system to prevent pollution.
5. Improved corporate image among regulators and environmentally aware customers.

Read more topics and content regarding ISO 14001:

• The Significance of ISO 14001 in Business: Promoting Environmental Responsibility and Sustainable Growth
• ISO 14001: How This One Important Tool Prevent Pollution