ISO 14001:2015 certification assures a company’s interested parties that the environmental management system of the company meets international environmental standards and complies with legal requirements.
What is ISO 14001:2015 Environmental Management System?
ISO 14001:2015 is a globally recognised standard for developing and implementing an Environmental Management System (EMS).
The ISO 14001:2015 standard provides a structure and instructions for developing an environmental management system, ensuring that an organisation does not overlook critical environmental aspects and impacts.
Background of ISO 14001:2015
Environmental management is becoming more recognised as a business issue that may limit or hinder organisations’ potential to produce value in the future. Climate change, the rising demand for resources like water as well as a loss of biodiversity all point to the urgent need for the implementation of robust Environmental Management Systems.
About ISO 14001:2015
ISO 14001:2015 is a certification standard that sets the baseline for an Environmental Management System. It lays out a framework for establishing an efficient environmental management system for an organisation.
Who should use ISO 14001:2015?
Any organisation that wishes to build, upgrade, or maintain Environmental Management System in accordance with its specified environmental policy and standards should adopt ISO 14001:2015.
Importance of ISO 14001:2015
Implementing ISO 14001:2015 provides a great opportunity for organisations to take a strategic approach to environmental management and performance improvement.
In today’s business climate, senior management must recognise that considering the environment is an essential aspect of overall management. Environmental impacts like global warming and trends like low-carbon, resource-efficient societies must all be considered when it comes to assessing both risks and opportunities.
Environmental Risk Management is one of the concepts of environmental responsibility stated in ISO SR (ISO 26000), and it will eventually be integrated into an organisation’s entire risk management strategy.
What are the benefits of ISO 14001:2015?
For organisations who need environmental management systems using ISO 14001:2015 has various benefits. Using the standard allows organisations to:
- Enhance resource efficiency.
- Minimise waste.
- Reduce costs.
- Assure that environmental impacts are being assessed.
- Improve supply chain design to gain a competitive advantage.
- Expand business opportunities.
- Observe all legal requirements.
- Boost shareholder and customer confidence.
- Enhance overall environmental effects.
- Consistently manage environmental responsibilities.
Key improvements of ISO 14001:2015
Environmental management aids organisations of all sizes and industries by making their operations more sustainable. In the end, sustainability can save money, increase brand reputation, engage employees, and build resilience to unpredictability as well as the ability to respond quickly to change.
ISO 14001:2015 now requires:
- That environmental management will play a bigger role in the organisation’s long-term strategy.
- A stronger commitment from leadership.
- Implementing proactive environmental activities, such as sustainable resource use and climate change mitigation, to guard the environment from harm and degradation.
- A focus on lifecycle thinking to ensure that environmental aspects are considered from development through to disposal.
- A stakeholder-focused communication strategy has been added. Due to the same structure, terminologies, and definitions, it is also easier to integrate into other management systems.
An environmental management system aids businesses in identifying, managing, monitoring and controlling their environmental challenges in a systematic manner.
How can WWISE assist your organisation?
WWISE achieves excellence by ensuring our clients’ success through ISO standards. We work with businesses to build resilience into their culture, allowing them to grow sustainably, adapt to change, and survive in the long run.
For more information on ISO contact WWISE today on 08610 99473 or 021 525 9159 (Cape Town) or visit our website: https://www.wwise.co.za.