ISO ISO 14001:2015 (Environmental Management System-EMS)

ISO 14000 standard was formulated to allow companies to make environmental issues an intrinsic component of business policy and practice. Compliance to the ISO 14000 standard is a sign that management of a company is prepared for the legal requirements of tomorrow and signals to the marketplace the fact that the company follows environmentally sound practices.

Introduction:-
In response to international concern for deterioration in the environment, the iso 14000 standard was formulated to allow companies to make environmental issues an intrinsic component of business policy and practice. Compliance to the iso 14000 standard is a sign that management of a company is prepared for the legal requirements of tomorrow and signals to the marketplace the fact that the company follows environmentally sound practices.

The standard contains the core element for management of companies’ activities and processes. It is applicable for both manufacturing and service sectors. The iso 14001 is focused in terms of requirements for a specific policy for environmental issues, aspects identification for setting objectives and target besides compliance with applicable legislative and other regulatory requirements.

Why was ISO 14001 revised?

All ISO standards are reviewed every five years to establish if a revision is required in order to keep it current and relevant for the marketplace. ISO 14001:2015 is designed to respond to latest trends and ensure it is compatible with other management system standards.

What are the main changes to the standard?

The key changes relate to:

• Increased prominence of environmental management within the organization's strategic planning processes
• Greater focus on leadership
• Addition of proactive initiatives to protect the environment from harm and degradation, such as sustainable resource use and climate change mitigation
• Improving environmental performance added
• Lifecycle thinking when considering environmental aspects
• Addition of a communications strategy

The main elements of the iso 14001: 2015 standard:-

• Environmental policy – planning
• Implementation and operation
• Monitoring and corrective action
• Management review

Benefits of iso 14001: 2015:-

• Minimizes organization impact on environment
• Improves operational efficiency for cost saving
• Identifies opportunities for cost saving.
• Energy conservation
• Reduce environmental liability.
• Improves societal image.