ISO 14001:2015 Environmental Management System (EMS)

Stellar is one among the Top ISO 14001:2015 Certification consultant in Environmental Management Systems (EMS) in India and is regarded as one of the best by all of our clients. Environmental Management Systems ISO 14001 leads the chart among the various Management Standards.

Environmental Management Systems EMS is undoubtedly one of the largest differentiators between you and your competitors. Water pollution standards have become increasingly stringent since adoption of two major Federal environmental statutes : the Clean Water Act of 1972, which implemented a national system of regulation, on the discharge of pollutants; and the Safe Drinking Water Act of 1974, which established standards for drinking water. Industrial facilities sending their wastes to municipal treatment plants, must meet certain minimum standards to ensure that the wastes have been adequately pre-treated, and will not damage municipal treatment facilities. The potential causes for significant effect on the quality of Human Environment has also been seriously viewed. When facilitated with the appropriate procedure, ISO 14001 can become a tool for managing all pertinent issues regarding Environmental Management. The ISO 14000 standards apply to all types of organizations and are designed to encompass diverse geographical, cultural and social conditions.

History & Development
What is ISO 14001?

After the acceptance of ISO 9001 and the increase of Environmental Standards around the world, ISO assessed the need for International Environmental Standards to promote a common approach to Environmental Management System and thereby enhance Organization’s ability to attain and measure improvements in environmental performance. They formed a Strategic Advisory Group on the Environment which created a new committee, which had representatives from various industries, Organizations, Government and Environmental Organizations. The new series of ISO 14000 standards were developed to cover,

Environmental Management Systems
Environmental Audits
Environmental Performance Evaluation
Environmental Labeling
Life Cycle Assessment
Environmental Aspects in Product Standards

ISO 14000 series is a set of international standards for improving the environmental performance of organizations. It includes the new standard for Environmental Management System (EMS) called ISO 14001. The ISO 14001 series addresses Environmental Management Systems, Environmental Auditing, Environmental Labeling, Environmental Performance Evaluation and Life Cycle Assessment, that will lead to the protection of the earth’s environment while spurring international trade and commerce. The ISO 14000 Series covers the following standards:

14000- Guide to Environment Management Principles, Systems and Supporting Techniques.
14001 – Environmental Management Systems – Requirements
14020/23/24 – Environmental Labeling
14031/32 – Guidelines on Environmental Performance Evaluation
14040/43 – Life Cycle Assessment – Principles and Practices
Guide for inclusion of Environment Aspects in Product Standards

For ISO 14001, except for committing to continual improvement and compliance with applicable legislation and regulations, the standard does not establish absolute requirements for Environmental Performance. ISO 14001 requires an Environmental Policy to be in existence within the Organization. The Environmental Management System ISO 14001, establishes Procedures, Work Instructions and Controls to ensure that implementation of the policy and achievement of the targets can become a reality.

The Environmental Management System requires a planned periodic audit to ensure that it is effective in its operation. The audits are designed to provide additional information in order to exercise effective management of the system. In addition to that there is a requirement for Management Review to ensure that it is suitable for the Organization and its objectives.

Key Benefits of ISO 14001:2015 Certification

The ISO 14000 set of International Standards brings a worldwide focus to the environment, thus relieving the industries from regional conflicts regarding the environmental practice. Companies shall need Environment Management Certification to compete in the global market. Other benefits are:

Increased Profits
Improved Operations
Sound Market
More Evidence
Society
Lead to harmonization of national rules, labels and methods
Minimize trade barriers and related complications
Promote predictability and consistency
Lead to improvement of environmental performance
Lead to effective maintenance of regulatory compliance
Establish a framework to move beyond compliance
Assist companies/organizations to enhance public posture

Requirements

ISO 14001 is applicable to all organizations irrespective of its size. ISO 14001 requires nothing in special than a committed Environment Policy that be defined for the organization and implemented. The statement must be publicized in non-technical language so that it can be understood by all the readers. The policy must comply with the environmental laws and regulations. The preparatory review and definition of the Organization’s environmental effects, will be an additional wealth of consideration during external audit. The review and all other documents need to be prepared before a company can obtain ISO 14001 for the organization.

21 specific requirements in the area of Management Control, grouped under Policy, Planning, Implementation and Operation, checking Corrective Action and Management Review are the main requirements.

Future of ISO 14001

ISO 14001 certification ensures compliance with legal requirements by providing a systematic approach towards identifying current & future compliance obligations for environmental regulations while finding operational efficiencies. All of this leads to process efficiencies that are at the heart of sustainable business practices that save money and meet customer demand for sustainable production.

How to pursue ISO certification?

To become certified, a business must develop an Environmental Management system that meets the requirements of the standard.

The certification has to follow a few steps:

Documents Review
Pre-audit
Internal Audit
Verification and Corrective Actions (If needed)
External Audit
Verification and Corrective Actions (If Needed)

Certification

Once your System has been documented and implemented, you must invite an accredited external auditor to evaluate the effectiveness of your system. If the auditors determine that your System meets all requirements as specified in the standard, they will certify your System. You can then announce to the world that your products / services is managed, controlled, and assured in an environmental friendly manner, under Environment Management System.

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Preview ISO 14001:2015

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