ISO 14001

ISO 14001 (ENVIRONMENT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM)

The ISO 14000 family addresses various aspects of environmental management. It provides practical tools for companies and organizations seeking to identify and control their environmental impact while continually improving their environmental performance.

Requirements of ISO 14001

Within the standard there are 17 mandatory elements that organizations must meet in order to achieve formal EMS certification. These requirements include:

  1. An environmental policy supported by senior management.
  2. Identification of environmental aspects and impacts, including significant impacts the organization may cause.
  3. Identification of environmental compliance requirements.
  4. Development of objectives, targets, and environmental management programs.
  5. Defined resources, roles, responsibilities, and authorities for environmental management.
  6. Development of competence, training, and awareness procedures.
  7. A communication process for the EMS to all stakeholders and interested parties.
  8. Development of EMS documentation as required by the standard.
  9. Development of document control procedures.
  10. Development of operational control procedures.
  11. Development of emergency preparedness and response procedures.
  12. Development of procedures to monitor and measure operations with significant environmental impact.
  13. Evaluation of compliance procedure.
  14. Procedures for managing non-conformance, corrective, and preventive actions.
  15. Development of a records management procedure.
  16. A program for completing internal EMS audits and corrective actions.
  17. Development of procedures for management review by senior management.

Advantages

  1. Reduced cost of waste management
  2. Savings in consumption of energy and materials
  3. Lower distribution costs
  4. Improved corporate image among regulators, customers, and the public

ISO 9001 (QUALITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM)

The standards provide guidance and tools for companies and organizations who want to ensure that their products and services consistently meet customer requirements, and that quality is continually improved.

Advantages

  1. Creates a more efficient, effective operation
  2. Increases customer satisfaction and retention
  3. Reduces audits
  4. Enhances marketing
  5. Improves employee motivation, awareness, and morale
  6. Promotes international trade
  7. Increases profit
  8. Reduces waste and increases productivity
  9. Common tool for standardization