What Is ISO 14001?
The ISO 14001 is a globally accepted standard developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) for the implementation of an environmental management system (EMS). ISO 14001 belongs to a family of standards developed for various aspects of environmental management, known as ISO 14000. Along with other standards in the ISO 14000 family, ISO 14001 provides a comprehensive guideline for all areas of EMS, including labeling, performance evaluation, communications and life-cycle analysis.
Other People Are Reading
-
Philosophy
-
ISO 14001 does not concretely specify acceptable levels of environmental performance. If it did, there would have to be different EMS standards for each industry; a heavy chemical fertilizer manufacturer cannot logically be bound to the same environmental standards as a company making plush toys. Rather, specific environmental issues are addressed in different ISO standards for each business within an industry.
The ISO 14001, on the other hand, serves only to set in place a framework for a more holistic approach to aligning a company's attitude toward environmental policy and its plans and actions, so that it can achieve the balance between maintaining profitability and reducing environmental impact.
Background
-
For modern businesses, conforming to environmental standards is a priority amid the backdrop of global pressure on organizations to minimize impact on the environment. As environmental awareness increases, different stakeholder groups such as local and national governments, business and trade associations, customers, employees and shareholders want organizations to conform to defined environmental standards, and act as good corporate citizens of a respecting community.
-
Generic Framework
-
ISO 14001 can be thought of as the generic requirements for an effective EMS. In keeping the standards somewhat open and not laying down actual, numerical measures of environmental performance, organizations of all sizes (and engaged in diverse business operations) have a common reference for communication with customers, regulatory bodies and other stakeholders. Regardless of an entity's environmental maturity, it can comply with ISO 14001 guidelines by committing to conform to applicable legislation for the particular industry, and committing to work for continual improvement. This commitment is what the ISO 14001 provides the framework for.
Certification
-
The ISO 14001 standard was published in 1996 and is the most important part of the ISO 14000 family. ISO 14001 is the only standard from the ISO 14000 family against which an organization may be certified for compliance by an external certification body. The guideline covers all environmental aspects which the organization can control and influence.
Any organization able to implement and improve an EMS may seek ISO 14001 certification. Organizations must first define its own environmental policies and adhere to the stated policies. In addition, it must comply with environmental laws and regulations for its industry and region, as well as demonstrate compliance.
Compliance Steps
-
Along with stating general requirements and environmental policies, ISO 14001 also prescribes a framework for planning the implementation, putting a supervision and correction system in place, and proper management review practices. An organization may align its operations to the ISO 14001 framework by identifying the actions that have an effect on the environment and gaining an insight on relevant laws. The organization can then form objectives for improvement, and put in place a management program for proper implementation and improvement.
-
References
- Photo Credit environment degratation image by Bartlomiej Nowak from Fotolia.com
