ISO 14001 Environmental Standard

We are all becoming more "environmentally aware" of what we do and how we do it - so are our customers to the extent that, more and more users of our products and services question not only what we do but how we do it, and in some parts of the world suppliers cannot even get on to a tender list unless they can demonstrate their "environmentally friendly" approach. This does of course bring advantages of lower costs due to energy saving, recycling etc. Some of the documentation required for this standard is the same as is needed for ISO 9001 with no duplication necessary, thus there is a cost saving if both standards are introduced at the same time. Certification of the ISO 14001 aims to decrease the waste and pollution that a company produces and aims to reduce their environmental foot print.

Implementation of the ISO 14001:

• Identify environmental issues within the company
• Assess ways to reduce the issues
• Ensure that procedures are documented and then implemented

Advantages of implementing ISO 14001 include:

• Can reduce costs by reducing waste and energy consumption
• Minimises how a company's actions & practices negatively affect the environment
• It maintains compliance within current legislation
• International recognised standard, so can help to improve company profile

The Certification Process for ISO 14001 will include:

• Assessment
• Build And Use Management System
• Ensure Procedures Are Followed
• Document And Analyse Non-Conformance
• Audit