Why Choose ISO 14001:2015 Compliance and Certification?
ISO 14001 certification provides your company with documented proof of compliance with the requirements of the standard for the development, implementation, and improvement of an environmental management system (EMS).
IS0 14001 provides the framework for setting up such an EMS for certification purposes, instead of setting specific environmental performance requirements. It is a voluntary standard against which certification can be achieved.
What Is an EMS?
According to the ISO, an EMS is a management system that has been specifically developed to manage various environmental aspects and obligations, in addition to addressing risks and opportunities. Certification is not compulsory, but certainly benefits the organisation. The certification gives credibility to the organisation’s efforts to minimise environmental impact, and to reduce environmental risks. The EMS can be integrated with other ISO standards, such as ISO 9001 for quality management systems. This makes it easier for the organisation to manage compliance with various standards.
With the increased focus on environmental protection, as well as a reduction in the use of natural resources, and the impact of human and economic activities on the environment, companies that have gained ISO 14001 certification have a competitive edge. International trading partners want the assurance that their business partners and suppliers operate in a sustainable manner. Therefore, the likelihood of getting service or product contracts increases when organisations have gained certification as proof of their commitment to managing their environmental impact.
Revised ISO 14001
The standard was recently revised, and organisations that want to ensure ongoing compliance with the requirements of the standard, should make the transition to the 2015 version of the standard. Organisations, not yet compliant with ISO 14001, should seek compliance for certification purposes.
Applicability
The standard has been developed for all types of businesses. As such, any size organisation, regardless of its business activities, can implement and gain ISO 14001 certification.
Guidance
Companies, wishing to gain ISO 14001 certification will benefit from expert guidance on the scope of the standard. We provide training regarding ISO 14001 for top-level management, in addition to awareness training, internal and external auditing training, and certification preparation. We also provide consulting services, internal and external auditing, GAP analysis, and certification preparation services. In addition, we offer templates for implementation, and have a learning platform, making it easier to attend training without having to travel.
Structure and Scope of the Standard
The standard provides the framework for setting up and maintaining an EMS. It covers topics, such as the context of the organisation, leadership, planning and support, operation, performance assessment, and ongoing improvement.
Differences Between ISO 14001 of 2004 and the 2015 Version
Various changes have been made in the revised edition. The standard is now well-aligned with the other ISO standards, and therefore has a similar layout to these standards. The scope of the EMS has been expanded to include specific interactions with external parties. The revised edition also has additional requirements for leadership involvement. It addresses the need for risk-based planning, and changes have been made regarding awareness requirements. The operational control requirements have also been expanded.
Steps to ISO 14001:2015 Certification
Companies that have been certified to ISO 14001:2004 have three years to make the transition to the 2015 version. If your company wants to get ISO 14001 certification, start with reviewing your existing quality management system in addition to your environmental management system. Purchase the standard, and enrol in our e-Learning courses. Use our consulting services to help you minimise costs and efforts in becoming ISO 14001:2015-compliant.
You need to undergo the GAP analysis, make changes, conduct internal audits, operate the EMS, and have the external audit. Make the necessary changes, and undergo the formal certification audit. Become certified and set up the maintenance plan.
Why Comply with ISO 14001:2015?
Compliance with the standard makes it possible to reduce your resource usage, reduce waste, and lower costs regarding clean-ups and penalties. Certification provides the assurance that your company’s environmental impact is controlled and measured. Compliance enables your firm to meet legislative requirements, and thereby increase customer and stakeholder confidence. Gain consistency in the management of environmental risks. Start by getting expert help from WWISE in terms of steps to follow, training, templates for implementation, and preparation to become certified.