ISO 14001 provides requirements with guidance for use that relate to environmental systems. Other standards in the family focus on specific approaches such as audits, communications, labelling and life cycle analysis, as well as environmental challenges such as climate change.
Designed for any type of organization, regardless of its activity or sector, it can provide assurance to company management and employees as well as external stakeholders that environmental impact is being measured and improved.
ISO 14001:2015 to achieve the outcomes of our Environmental Management System
ISO 14001:2015 specifies the requirements for an environmental management system that an organization can use to enhance its environmental performance. ISO 14001:2015 is intended for use by an organization seeking to manage its environmental responsibilities in a systematic manner that contributes to the environmental pillar of sustainability.
ISO 14001:2015 helps an organization 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 environmental management system include:
· enhancement of environmental performance;
· fulfilment of compliance obligations;
· achievement of environmental objectives.
ISO 14001:2015 is applicable to any organization, regardless of size, type and nature, and applies to the environmental aspects of its activities, products and services that the organization determines it can either control or influence considering a life cycle perspective. ISO 14001:2015 does not state specific environmental performance criteria.
ISO 14001:2015 can be used in whole or in part to systematically improve environmental management. Claims of conformity to ISO 14001:2015, however, are not acceptable unless all its requirements are incorporated into an organization's environmental management system and fulfilled without exclusion.
Various research has shown ISO 14001 can prove a beneficial initiative for engaging employees. Over the last decade, the issue of climate change has risen in the global agenda, which has resulted in people taking more interest in their personal impact on the environment.
Most Certification Bodies issue certificates in-line with the 3-year certification cycle. Every 3rd year, a ‘Re-Certification’ audit is carried out. Whereas a Surveillance Audit will focus on improvement areas found in previous audits, the Re-Certification Audit must cover all of the standard’s requirements.