Why EMS ISO 14001:2015 Certification is Important?

The waste generation rate is rising all around the world. It is estimated that, on average, around 2.26 billion tonnes of solid waste is generated annually, amounting to 0.79 kg footprint per person per day. With rapid urbanization and population growth, it is estimated that solid waste generation will increase by 3.88 billion tonnes in 2050.

Around 70% of the total office waste is recyclable, but only 7.5% got recycled! Environment plays a crucial role in healthy living and makes our life easy and comfortable. But, due to industrialization, modernization, increasing population and increasing use of technology, the environment is getting adversely affected.

What is ISO 14001 Certification?

ISO 14001 Certification is an internationally accredited Environment Management System standard. It outlines the requirements for an environmental management system to enhance an organization’s environmental performance. ISO 45001 standards provide a framework for establishing effective environmental management practices and supporting environmental protection. It aims to address various environmental problems, including air pollution and water pollution and reduce the consumption of energy as well as material.

It provides tools and techniques for an organization to establish an effective environmental management system and adopt environment-friendly practices and processes. It makes an organization transparent, accountable and socially responsible. It ensures sustainability and offers a systematic approach to an organization.

ISO 14001 certification- Environment Management System

ISO 14001 Certification is the world’s first and most-widely known international standard for Environmental Management System. It helps an organization in achieving the intended results and integrates various national and international standards in a single framework to provide a holistic approach. It is a set of procedures and practices that allows an organization to minimize its negative environmental impacts and use eco-friendly methods. It promotes innovation and increases an organization’s operating efficiency and environmental performance.

Evolution of ISO 14001 standards

Purpose of ISO 14001 Certifications – ISO 14001 standard sets out the requirements for Environment Management System (EMS). It provides a systematic approach for an organization to monitor, review and implement the negative environmental impacts of the organization and to take corrective actions to improve its environmental performance.

Scope of ISO 14001 standards – The scope of an Environment Management System includes functions, activities, physical boundaries and products and services of an organization. It includes the whole organization as well as specific individual elements of the organization.

Key elements of ISO 14001 Certification

The Environment Management Policy consists of six key elements. These are:

1. Environmental Policy– It outlines the organization’s objectives, vision and mission in line with its environmental policy. It promotes green growth and sustainable development and includes the principle of environmental sustainability.
2. Planning– It formulates policies and plans to successfully implement the environmental management policy. It focuses on identifying the shortcomings and assesses the environmental impacts of all business operations.
3. Implementation – It requires implementing appropriate controls and policies to eliminate the factors responsible for negative environmental impacts and improve the organization’s environmental performance.
4. Study and Correct– An organization must examine and monitor the performance of its EMS and take corrective actions if needed. It benefits organizations in establishing an effective environmental management system as it requires an organization to maintain adequate documents and conduct audits frequently.
5. Management Review– The management must monitor and conduct an audit to review EMS to check its effectiveness and efficiency.
6. Continuous Improvement– It follows the Plan-Do-Check-Act cycle and requires an organization to follow the principle of continual improvement in its operations and environmental performance.

Important of ISO 14001 – Environment Management System standard

ISO 14001 Certification Environment Management System standard offers tools and techniques for an organization to improve its business operation and environmental performance. It is important for an organization due to following reasons:

• Organizations with ISO 14001 standards demonstrate their ability and capability across all ranges of areas, including reduced energy consumption and wastage of resources.
• Exhibits the organization’s compliance with all the local, national and international laws and standards related to environmental protection and enhances an organization’s environmental performance.
• It helps an organization in saving its costs as it enables an organization to avoid regulatory fines and focuses on resources, waste and energy management.
• It creates a better image of your organization and enhances reliability and credibility. It boosts the confidence of your clients and customers and helps you win new businesses.
• It reduces the amount of waste generated by organizations and offers to identify, control, improve and eliminate inefficient organizational processes.
• It increases the participation of employees, stakeholders and other parties and demonstrates that your organization focuses on responsible and sustainable growth.

Conclusion

ISO 14001 certification is an internationally recognized standard for Environment Management System. It provides a framework for minimizing negative environmental impacts and enhancing an organization’s environmental performance. It applies to the whole organization or some individual elements. It offers a competitive edge to an organization as it removes all the trade barriers and provides access to the global market.

ISO 14001 Standards integrate all the national and international laws in a single framework and provide a holistic approach to an organization. It promotes innovation and adopts eco-friendly practices and technology, and offers a structured method to improve business operations. It is a cost-effective standard that helps organizations to avoid regulatory fines and penalties and increases the efficiency and effectiveness of business operations.