Why Implement ISO 14001 Environmental Management System?

Why Implement ISO 14001 Environmental Management System?

All business, regardless of size and activity, has some impact on the environment. An Environment Management System (EMS) is a tool that allows a company identify and address their particular environmental impacts.

Environmental issues should not be considered in isolation to other management issues. By adopting an EMS a company is making a commitment to incorporate environmental issues into existing management systems.

Environmental management is based on the concept of continuous improvement in environmental performance over time. An EMS will continuously change as a company changes, for example as a business expands and takes on new staff. The EMS must also take account of external factors, such as changes in environmental legislation, technology, and market competition.

Ultimately the aim of the environmental management approach adopted by a company is to prevent or minimise the environmental impacts of operations, while retaining competitiveness. Environmental management is more than simply managing environmental impacts after they are created. Effective environmental management should aim to prevent or minimise the environmental impacts in the first place.

All companies are under increasing pressure to ensure the proper management of the environmental impacts of their activities. Small businesses are subject to increasingly stringent environmental legislation, reflecting the increasing importance of environmental issues in political debate. Customers, suppliers, staff and the general public increasingly demand a commitment from business to better manage the environmental impacts of their activities.

Benefits of an EMS include:

- Cost savings from reduced raw material and resource consumption, e.g. better management of your energy and water needs and consumption.

- Reduced waste collection, treatment and disposal costs.

- Compliance with legal obligations.

- Reduced risk and liability associated with poor environmental performance.

- Improved relationships with key stake holders e.g. customers, suppliers, staff, regulatory authorities and local communities.

Third Party Certification of ISO 14001 Standards

Third Party Certification of ISO 14001 Standards

A recognised international accredited EMS standard such as ISO 14001 is a positive message that can be easily conveyed and recognised by customers, suppliers, staff, investors, local authorities and other regulators.

However a company does not necessarily require third part certification for its EMS. A company EMS is a system designed to best meet the specific requirements of that particular company.

Third party certification does provide a useful support or framework within which to develop an EMS. By achieving an internationally recognised EMS standard, a company demonstrates an ongoing commitment to external stakeholders to manage its environmental impacts in a responsible manner. If a company decides not to develop an EMS that meets an accredited standard, the framework provided by these standards may still be useful as a starting point to developing an effective EMS tailored to the specific requirements of a company.

The International Standards Organisation (ISO) international accredited standard for environmental management, the ISO

14001, is the most widely used and accepted EMS standard. This standard is voluntary, certifiable and is accepted by

stakeholders across the world as the preferred model for environmental management.

The European Union recognises ISO 14001 which is considered a stepping stone for the EU Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS). EMAS is a management tool for companies to evaluate, report and improve their environmental performance, incorporating the ISO14001 environmental management system. Participation in EMAS is voluntary.

Read more on ISO 9001 Standards at http://www.iso9001store.com

Basic Steps in Environmental Management System

Basic Steps in Environmental Management System

1. Preparation

- Consult and involve all staff at an early stage. This may include discussion and training sessions on environmental issues to encourage involvement and better awareness and understanding.

- Identify staff with knowledge/expertise/understanding of environmental issues within the company.

- Assign responsibility to one member of staff or a team.

- Identify external expertise and support e.g. Enterprise Ireland provide funding towards meeting the costs of hiring an external consultant to assist in the installation of an EMS.

- Identify environmental objectives to be achieved.

- Develop an environmental action plan to achieve these environmental objectives.

2. Identifying the Environmental Impacts

Before a company can begin to better manage its environmental impacts it must first identify and quantify the issues. An environmental audit will help identify the key environmental impacts of company activities. This may include:

- Raw materials used, e.g. use of nonrenewable resources and hazardous chemicals.

- The production process, e.g. waste generated, air, noise and water emissions.

- Distribution of goods e.g. fossil fuels used in transport of raw materials and final product.

- Use of final products, e.g. what packaging is necessary.

- End of life, e.g. collection, recycling and disposal.

As you undertake your environmental audit you should also consider:

- Your environmental legal obligations

- Market and financial pressures for improving environmental performance, e.g. have any of your competitors achieved certification to the international EMS standard ISO 14001?

3. Opportunities to prevent and minimise environmental impacts

Set realistic objectives and targets for improving your environmental performance as part of an action plan.

Read more on ISO 9001 Standards at http://www.iso9001store.com