4 minute read
Global Compliance Service- The ISO 14001 Standard- A tool for Environmental Sustainability
What is ISO 14001?
The ISO 14001 standard is the well-known tool used by organisations globally to implement an Environmental Management System (EMS). This standard was first launched in 1996 and last published in 2015. The ISO 14001 standard was revised based on the environmental context in which we live where there has been an increase in discussions on Climate Change.
Many organisations have to meet the expectations of policymakers in areas related to water utilisation, energy usage, and environmental performance. Stakeholders expect that organisations will be stewards of the environment and perform accordingly to ensure the protection of the environment and conservation of resources.
The ISO 14001 standard is a tool that supports the advancement and continual improvement and has gained recognition through use in organizations as a selfimprovement tool. ISO 14001 has also gained prominence through third-party recognition, certification where we have now more than 400,000 certificates for 14001 globally. This is a sign of its impact and a sign of its uptake in many countries.
What is an Environmental Management System (EMS)?
An environmental management system helps organizations identify, manage, monitor, and control their environmental issues in a “holistic” manner. The ISO 14001 standard, ‘Environmental Management Systems- Requirements with guidance for use’ is suitable for organizations of all types and sizes, be they private, not-for-profit, or governmental. It requires that an organiza¬tion considers all environmental issues rel-evant to its operations, such as air pollution, water and sewage issues, waste management, soil contamination, climate change mitiga¬tion and adaptation, and resource use and efficiency. Organisations seeking to manage their environmental responsibilities in a systematic manner that contributes to the environmental pillar of sustainability achieve the intended outcomes of its environmental management system, which provide value for the environment, the organization itself, and interested parties. Consistent with the organization’s environmental policy, the intended outcomes of an EMS include:
• enhancement of environmental performance; • fulfilment of compliance obligations; and • achievement of environmental objectives.
Like all ISO management system standards, ISO 14001 includes the need for continual improvement of an organization’s systems and approach to environmental concerns. The standard has key improvements such as the increased prominence of environmental management within the organization’s strategic planning processes, greater input from leadership, and a stronger commitment to proactive initiatives that boost environmental performance.
Why invest in ISO 14001?
There are many reasons why an organization should take a strategic approach to improving its environmental performance. Users of the standard have reported that ISO 14001 helps:
1. Demonstrate compliance with current and future statutory and regulatory requirements.
2. Increase leadership involvement and engagement of employees.
3. Improve company reputation and the confidence of stakeholders through strategic communication.
4. Achieve strategic business aims by incorporating environmental issues into business management.
5. Provide a competitive and financial advantage through improved efficiencies and reduced costs.
6. Encourage better environmental performance of suppliers by integrating them into the organization’s business systems.
What are the key benefits of Certification?
Accredited certification to ISO 14001 is not a requirement, and organizations can reap many of the benefits from using thestandard withoutgoing through theaccredited certification process. However, third-party certification – where an independent certification body audits your practices against the requirements of the standard – is a way of signalling to your buyers, customers, suppliers, and other stake¬holders that you have implemented the standard properly. What’s more, for some organizations, it helps to show how they meet regulatory or contractual requirements.
What are the key elements of the ISO 14001 standard?
The ISO 14001 standards have the high-level structure which makes it easy for organisations to integrate the EMS to the ISO 9001 QMS or the ISO 45001 OH&S Management Systems.
Global Compliance Service Inc. is a member of Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry and is a 100% Guyanese and female-majority owned Certification Body/Registrar. We are the Resident Office of Global Compliance Service, an Accredited Certification Body with its Headquarters is located in Geneva, Switzerland. We are providing opportunities for local organisations to access Training and ISO Certification Services to ISO Management System Standards.
Candelle Bostwick CEO and Lead Auditor Global Compliance Service Guyana Inc. Lot 20A Public Road Mc. Doom East Bank Demerara Contact us at 223-6666 guyana@gcsregistrar.com www.gcsregistrar.com
How to get started with ISO 14001:2015?
• Tip 1 – Define your objectives. What do you want to achieve with this standard?
• Tip 2 – Get the buy-in from senior management. It is essential that the leaders of your organization support the objectives of an effective environmental management system and are committed to the process.
• Tip 3 – Get a good overview of existing processes and systems that are relevant to your environmental impact. This will form the basis of your environmental management system and allow you to more easily identify any gap Local organisations are encouraged to implement the ISO 14001 EMS to monitor their environmental performance in the mist of global discussions on the impact of our activities on Climate change as we all commit to protecting and preserving our environment for future generations.
