ISO 14001 Quality Standard
Industrialization has undeniably brought a lot of environmental hazards that caused long term problems not only in our surroundings but also in our fragile health. This is why the International Standardization Organization came up with ISO 14001 or the quality standard known as Environmental Management Specification (EMS), ensuring environmental accountability in terms of operations and end products among organizations.
ISO 14001’s main objective is to provide a framework wherein businesses can operate and produce goods and services with less negative environmental impact. Based on BSI Group’s BS 7750, the first ever environmental management system published in 1992, ISO 14001 covers processes and practices aiming to cut down cost, reduction of waste and improved efficiency in resources. In commitment to achieve cleaner and more environmental friendly production processes, ISO not only focuses in the quality of the product itself but more on the reduction of negative impact of industrialization to our environment. Its major focus includes pollution prevention, natural resources conservation and compliance to the legal and regulatory requirements of EPA (Environmental Protection Agency).
The first phase of EMS requires gap analysis and identification of primary elements in the present and future production that directly and indirectly affect the environment. Next is establishment of environmental objectives and goals and development of procedures in accordance to environmental regulations. The implementation phase requires involvement and commitment of top management personnel. Documentation control, risk strategies and training of employees are also required. Monitoring and measurement of processes comes next. An evaluation phase should follow to asses if the environmental goals are met. Continuous Improvement for ISO 14001 includes expanding the coverage of the implemented EMS, enriching the practice by applying it to more resources, processes and other aspects of the business; and upgrading the implemented EMS by improving the framework itself.
The benefits of ISO 14001 include reduction of risk in environmental liability and improvement in operational efficiency. The objectives and goals developed from EMS lead to good environmental compliance. Energy management and waste reduction schemes also help in cutting down cost spent on resources. Since it is internationally recognized, companies with multiple operations globally can obtain single registration and do not need to acquire certifications separately. ISO 14001 also promotes implementation of Emergency Preparedness and Response System to be fully ready for any disasters such as hurricanes and earthquakes. Since EPA recognizes companies certified for ISO 14001, and many Fortune 500 companies require their supply chain to adhere to environmental standards such as ISO 14001, it generally promotes competitiveness and long term business sustainability.
Being an ISO 14001 compliant organization is now perceived as a strategic approach in reducing cost and risk. It has become a strategy in improving competitiveness and increasing the market share to generate more revenue.
Getting ISO 14001 Compliant
QSE consultants assist companies to get certified within six months through their disciplined path. If your company wants to have a credible, cost efficient and environmentally responsible business operations, contact our QSE consultants on how you can successfully obtain an ISO 14001 compliance certification. Visit their website at https://qsebackup.atlcreative.co for more information.
