ISO 14001:2018 is the international standard that provides requirements for an Environmental Management System (EMS). The management system allows an organisation to analyse environmental goals, and policies and ensures regional and international legal obligations.
Although ISO 14001:2018, provides a framework for an EMS that primarily focuses on how an organisation can benefit, the standard can also assist organisations to be leaders in implementing a circular economy.
In this blog we explain the circular flow of the economy and how ISO 14001:2018 can directly assist this process.
What is an ISO 14001:2018 EMS?
ISO 14001:2018 is the international standard that supports an organisation of any size and industry to decrease their carbon footprint and gas emissions by about 34%. Organisations embracing the standard are doing their part in moving towards Zero Net.
How does this fit into a circular economy? Well, using the policies, frameworks, and processes within ISO 14001:2018 allow organisations to make a circular economy possible.
What exactly is a circular economy?
Although currently a buzzword, a circular economy includes processes, procedures and systems that allow for continuous cycles of reusing and recycling products, materials, and resources to eliminate waste.
To fully embrace a circular economy the foundational values of our society would have to change to focus on preventing environmental harm and lowering and eliminating pollutants where possible with the aim to provide a better planet for future generations.
How can the circular economy improve natural resource usage?
The purpose of a circular flow of economy is to ensure natural resources stay abundant. In a circular economy all products and materials are kept in circulation through processes like maintenance, reuse, refurbishment, remanufacture, recycling, and composting.
How will an ISO 14001:2018 EMS support a circular economy?
ISO 14001:2018 provides an excellent foundation and opportunity for organisations to align and manage circular economy principles, life cycle perspective, and even stakeholder interaction beyond supporting a positive environmental impact.
Here are some of the ways the standard supports a circular economy.
Zero waste
Zero waste concepts are easier to adopt and implement with ISO 14001:2018 with a bird’s eye view and depending on sector and industry it is possible to plan projects with the goal of having zero waste and cost savings.
Eco-design
ISO 14001:2018 makes considering all environmental aspects during design and the entire development process easier and streamlined. This ensures developing and producing products have the lowest environmental impact during its lifecycle.
Open loop system
The open loop system ensures all components can be reused or recycled back into the same or entirely different products. Some sectors will have more challenges with this transition than others, but the gains are worth the effort if this system can be implemented.
Refurbishing
The biggest step forward for a circular economy is if organisations implement refurbishing policies. The policies will ensure that all electronic and electrical devices that are scrapped will be refurbished and downcycled into smaller devices to reduce environmental impact.
Interconnected collaboration
One of the most impactful options organisations have in a circular economy is interconnected collaboration. Two different organisations in different sectors can work together in their value chain and support each other’s operation and manufacturing development and reduce waste between each other.
How can your organisation benefit from aligning EMS with a circular economy?
The ISO 14001:2018 standard plays a crucial role in supporting organisations in prioritising and establishing eco-conscious practices. With its impact extending far beyond regional and international compliance.
The international standards have numerous benefits to offer within itself including but not limited to:
- Saving costs with streamlined processes
- Improving the reputation of the organisation
- Demonstrating a commitment to the environment
- International market access to industries where ISO 14001:2018 is mandatory.
- Identifying and managing environmental risks to proactively address potential issues before they escalate.
Is your organisation interested in implementing ISO 14001:2018? Whether to decrease your environmental footprint or to support your industry in moving towards a circular economy give our ISO expert consultants a call today on 012 644 0142 or email us on admin@wwise.co.za.