ISO 14001

ISO 14001 was first released in 1996 to assist organizations in formalizing their environmental management programs. In addition to the formal approach of ISO 14001, organizations can receive the benefit of an external and impartial validation of their environmental activities through certification to ISO 14001.

This ISO 14001 certification demonstrates to the community at-large the organization's commitment to sound environmental practices.

Companies of all kinds and descriptions are increasingly concerned about their environmental performance. This concern has lead to their controlling the aspects of their activities, products and services on the environment. Of course, they do this in the context of increasingly tougher legislation and political pressure from non-governmental activist groups.

However, many companies have found that being environmentally aware has produced a positive economic result. By controlling the operations in their companies for environmental concerns it has produced a savings due to their increased efficacy.

Many companies perform environmental audits and reviews to determine their performance. However, on their own without a structured approach these audits may not be enough to provide a company with assurance that its performance meets and will continue to meet the legal and policy commitments. To be the most effective the audits need to be conducted within a structured management program that is an integral part of the company.

The ISO 14001 standard for environmental management is designed to give companies the structure needed to integrate the activities into the company’s management system. Thereby, helping them to reach their environmental and economic goals through a controlled methodology. This standard, like other ISO standards, is not intended to create trade barriers or change or increase the company’s legal obligations. 

ISO 14001 sets requirements for an environmental management system to help companies develop and implement a policy and objectives. These must take into account legal requirements and information on their environmental aspects. The standard is designed to accommodate different types of organizations regardless of their business, geographical location, culture or social conditions.

For additional information about ISO 14001 and its requirements follow the links below:

ISO 14001 - Clause 4.1

ISO 14001 - Clause 4.2 

ISO 14001 - Clause 4.3

ISO 14001 - Clause 4.4

ISO 14001 - Clause 4.5

ISO 14001 - Clause 4.6

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