What is ISO 14001 Certification?
ISO 14001 Certification is an internationally recognized standard that gives insight into the requirements for an effective Environmental Management System (EMS). It offers a systematic framework for an organization to follow and show compliance rather than implementing environmental performance requirements.
Integrating ISO 14001 with other management systems, most commonly ISO 9001 can definitely help your organization to effectively approach goals and objectives.
The most recent version of ISO 14001 was introduced in 2015 and therefore, is referred to as ISO 14001:2015.
Now, it is time to know what is Environmental Management System (EMS) is.
Environmental Management System (EMS) comprises policies, rules, records, and practices which provide definitions to the rules governing your organization’s relation towards the environment. This system must be built in accordance with the specific legal requirements and environmental impacts that are in relation to your company’s processes.
ISO 14001 provides a framework for your company to build your own Environmental Management System so that all the crucial elements are brought under consideration for your company’s EMS to be successful.
Why is ISO 14001 Certification Important?
Two of the biggest challenges of companies are reducing the negative environmental impacts of their processes and taking care of the environment. So, ISO 14001 is important as the companies that adopt this standard are viewed in a positive light and improve their relations with the public, clients, and the community at large. Moreover, your company contributes to improving the impacts of your organization’s processes on the environment.
You can also save up money by adopting this standard. This is brought forward by the reduction in liabilities, being able to get insurance at a more reasonable cost, and preservation of resources through reduction efforts. Therefore, all of these factors should not be overlooked when pondering over working towards the standard or not.
How to Get the ISO 14001 Certification?
In order to get the ISO 14001 Certification, your organization must first implement an Environmental Management System on the basis of the ISO 14001 requirements.
Then, an accredited certification body must be hired to conduct audits and approve the EMS implemented in your organization to be one that complies with the ISO 14001 requirements. If during the audits, any shortcomings are identified then they must be corrected and improvements should be set in place.
Once all the reviewing and analyzing are done, you can go ahead and get your certification.
What are the Benefits of ISO 14001 Certification?
The benefits obtained by working towards getting an ISO 14001 Certification are as follows:
1) Improved public image.
2) Positive relations with the clients and community as a whole.
3) Improving the environmental impacts of your organization’s processes.
4) Saving up on costs.
5) Conservation of resources, inputs, and materials.
6) Enjoyment of marketing advantages over competitors.
7) Recognition of obtaining an international standard.
8) Meeting certain legal requirements pertaining to your company’s activities.
9) Provide the assurance that the negative environmental impacts are being measured.
10) Enhance stakeholders’ trust.
Everything discussed here can be accounted for when you are debating whether to opt for the ISO 14001 certification.