ISO 14001:2015 ENVIRONMENTAL MAGEMENT SYSTEMS What is it?
ISO 14001 defines the requirements for an effective environment system (EMS) and provides an environment for organizations to follow. It's not meant to define environmental performance requirements instead, it is a set of guidelines. ISO 14001 is a voluntary environmental management standard that businesses could attest to. The integration of ISO 14001 with other standards for management, like ISO 9001 can help organizations achieve their goals. The International Organization for Standardization's definition of an environment management plan is that it is part of a management system that manages the environmental aspect, fulfills compliance obligations, and takes care of opportunities and risks. This method of continuous improvements can be combined with the ISO 14001 framework. Check iso 14001 pdf for details.
Who should be using the revision 14001:2015?
What are the advantages of ISO 14001
ISO 14001 Certification
ISO 14000 Family of Standards
ISO 14001 resources
Who should use ISO 14001 2015 REVISION?
Anyone who wants to establish, enhance, maintain, or revise its environmental management system in conformity with its environmental policy and regulations should implement ISO 14001:2015. The requirements of the standard can be integrated into any environmental management system, the extent to which will be dependent on a number of factors such as the company's industry, its policies on environmental protection, the products and service offerings, and the geographical location.
ISO 14001:2015 is relevant to all businesses regardless of size or location, sector or industry.
What are the areas included in ISO 14001:2015?
ISO 14001 2015, the most stringent standard for environmental management systems covers these subjects:
The context of the organization
Leadership
Plan
Support
Operation
Evaluation of performance
Improvement
ISO 14001 Environmental Management Systems (EMS) Framework
14001:2004 and 14001,2015
ISO 14001's revision for 2015 introduces several changes over the previous versions. The ASQ Energy and Environmental Division has provided a thorough explanation of these modifications in its ISO 14001 presentation.
To ensure that all ISO standards are organized in the same manner, the ISO 14001 revisions 2015 include the introduction of a high-level structure that includes defined terms and definitions that are mandatory, as well as the inclusion of common standards requirements.
10 key areas that will be impacted by the revision of 2015:
Expanding EMS coverage and EMS scope
Interactions with other parties required
Leadership engagement requires new requirements
Expanded legal compliance obligations
Planning and controlling risks is essential
No new documents are required.
Increased operational control requirements
Changes in competence and awareness expectations
The impact on the internal audit program
Increased certification fees
Integration of ISO 9001 & ISO 14001
Integrating standards for management systems into one system can improve focus and reduce the risk of confusion. It is possible to enhance the aspects of ISO 9001 by adding the appropriate components of ISO 14001.
Responsibilities of the combined standards might include:
The development of the policy statement.
Setting up organizational charts and job descriptions
Accessible sources
Document management for both standard in a single document control software
Designating a representative for management as well as coordinators for the quality and environmental managements systems
Planning must be extended to consider environmental impact when adding ISO 14001 components to ISO 9001. The inspection and testing processes should be modified to ensure compliance with environmental standards. It should be compliant with environmental regulations of both the customer and government. The business must incorporate environmental management components into its internal auditing programs as well as training sessions.
ISO 14001 can be combined with ISO 9001 standards to create synergies.
What are the advantages of operating under ISO 14001?2015?
Organizations with environmental management systems can reap the benefits of ISO 14001:2015. Both businesses and organizations find it beneficial to use the standard.
Improve resource efficiency
Reduce the amount of waste
Reduce the cost
Assure that the impact on the environment has been measured
You can gain competitive advantage through supply chain management
Increase business opportunities
Meet legal obligations
Enhance trust in stakeholder and customer
Impact on the environment overall
Take care of your environmental obligations in a consistent manner
ISO 14001 CERTIFICATION
Companies that have already obtained ISO 14001 certification are encouraged to switch to the new version in 2015. The new standard allows companies to improve their environmental management systems over a three year period. See Environmental management systems info.
Articles and Case Studies
ISO 14001 Standard. Literature Review. Theoretical-based Research Agenda. Environmental sustainability is on the rise in both academia and business. After nearly 20 years of studies in this area This paper provides a holistic literature review specifically that is focused on ISO 14001, which is widely regarded to be the most important environmental certification.
Stewardship and Sustainability Serigraph's path towards ISO 14001 (Journal for Quality and Participation). Serigraph leaders understand that sustainable and social responsibility are interrelated. They encourage sustainable economic growth, the protecting the environment as well as overall wellbeing. Serigraph uses ISO 14001, Six Sigma and lean as models for sustainability and environmental improvement.
Framework for the Development of an Environmental Management System: A Case Study in an Thermal Power Plant (Quality Engineering). NP Power, Canada's electric power company was confronted with concerns about ISO 14001 implementation. They came up with a framework to assess the compliance of their system.