ISO 14001 Implementation Advantages

 

ISO 14001:2015 is a risk-based standard as compared to the ISO 9001 which is a quality-based standard to usher efficiency. As organizations look ahead to stay current and provide total solutions, it is essential that an organization incorporates the environmental management system as a part of its management system. Any organization that wishes to set up, improve, or maintain an environmental management system to meet not only customer and statutory requirements but also its social responsibilities must conform with the established environmental policy and requirements. The requirements of the standard being incorporated into any environmental management system is a conscious decision, including that of conducting ISO 14001 training for personnel. It could be contract driven, a national priority and or economically driven. The waste, pollutants and damage to environment can be costly and in certain cases can wipe out an organization. It is prudent to timely and proactively consider implementation of the ISO 14001 environmental management system. The extent to which this is implemented is determined by several factors including the organization’s industry, environmental policy, products and service offerings, and location.

 

ISO 14001:2015 is relevant to all organizations, regardless of size, location, sector, or industry. With the HLS (high level structure) of common 10 clauses with the ISO 14001:2015 the standard can be integrated with ISO 9001, ISO 45001, ISO 27001 and other requirements of the organization as an integrated management system. Organizations systematically document the environmental risks, their impact and prioritize these. An appropriate risk methodology helps determine risks. ISO14001 training can also be run in combination with other ISO training. Integrated management system audits reduce the load on audits and the system.

 

ISO 14001, enables a systematic determination of the context of the organization and to risks thereof and then adjustment of the environmental policy and objectives to align with the strategic direction of the company. It is business strategic decision to implement EMS, which not only brings savings, but when implemented with other green initiatives including energy saving with ISO 50001 can bring revenue!

 

ISO 14001 like ISO 9001 needs processes in place for corrective action and management reviews. If an organization already has ISO 9001 implemented, then adding the ISO 14001 environmental management system is a prudent decision. Personnel can be easily trained to understand the requirements and ensure success of the system. ISO 14001 training can be delivered in various formats to meet the different needs of differing levels of management. Some of the common benefits seen with implementation of ISO 14001 are: Improved resource efficiency, reduction in waste, costs are driven down. The implemented system provides assurance that environmental impact is being measured and this brings for the organization a gain in competitive advantage in supply chain design as also an increase in new business opportunities. National statutory and legal requirements and obligations of the organization are systematically met. Moreover, there is seen an increased stakeholder and customer trust seen with the implementation of the ISO 14001. Also, the organization’s overall environmental impact is improved and environmental obligations are met with consistency. QMII’s ISO 14001 training is approved by Exemplar Global and available in an Overview, internal auditor and lead auditor format.