ISO 14001

ISO 14001 sets out the criteria for an environmental management system and can be certified to. It does not state requirements for environmental performance, but maps out a framework that a company or organization can follow to set up an effective environmental management system. It can be used by any organization regardless of its activity or sector. Using ISO 14001:2004 can provide assurance to company management and employees as well as external stakeholders that environmental impact is being measured and improved.

Environmental Management System

By achieving ISO14001 certification you will be able to clearly demonstrate your commitment to reducing waste and recycling materials where appropriate. The benefits to your organisation will not just be in cost savings, they may also prove beneficial when tendering for new business.

Who is it for?

Because of its generic nature and universal acceptance, the ISO 14001 standard has the potential to affect the environmental management practices of virtually every manufacturing company in the world. It can also be used by charities, voluntary organisations and trade associations. Any organisation whose products, services or day-to-day activities have an impact on the environment needs to be aware of ISO 14001.

Background to ISO 14001

Like ISO 900, ISO 14001 is a product of the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO). ISO 14001 is the world's first generic, internationally recognised standard for environmental management. Of the group of ISO 14000 standards, ISO 14001 is the actual standard to which companies get registered. Experts are predicting that the impacts of this dynamic standard will transcend the vast popularity of the world-renowned ISO 9001 quality standard. ISO 14001 measures the conformance of an organisation's Energy Management System (EMS) to the specified requirements.

The benefits of using ISO 14001:2004 can include:

• Reduced cost of waste management
• Savings in consumption of energy and materials
• Lower distribution costs
• Improved corporate image among regulators, customers and the public
• Improve efficiency to cut the cost of running your business
• Demonstrate compliance to expand your business opportunities
• Meet legal obligations to win greater stakeholder and customer trust
• Prepare for the changing business landscape confidently