ISO 14001:2004
What is ISO 14001:2004?
The IOS (Internation Organization for Standardization) has developed the ISO 14001:2004 Standard to provide guidance to organizations desiring to improve their environmental performance and seek certification. The standard is utilized as a risk assessment model to determine the level of impact an organization has on the environment, determine its’ legal requirements concerning environmental laws, and implement methods to continually improve the environmental performance of the organization.
How does and organization comply with ISO 14001:2004?
For an organization to be conforming to the ISO 14001:2004 requirements it must:
1.) Determine the activities of the organization and how they impact the environment. Environmental impacts include impacts to air, water, land, flora, fauna, etc..
2.) Determine which of these impacts are significant.
3.) Establish objectives, measurable targets and programs for the reduction of these impacts.
4.) Establish emergency preparedness programs in the event of nonconformances.
5.) Identify the environmental legal requirements of the organization.
6.) Measure the level of compliance to legal requirements.
7.) Perform periodic assessments as to how well the organization conforms to its’ environmental requirements.
We have never received a notice of violation. Why do we need ISO 14000?
ISO 14001:2004 is a proactive management system designed to assist an organization develop programs which actually improve their environmental performance. The simple fact of having not received a NOV does not mean the organizations are the best stewards of the environment. ISO 14001:2004 assists the organization in developing a holistic approach as to how it manages its’ activities which can have a serious impact on the environment.
How does ISO 14001:2004 benefit my organization?
1.) By demonstrating a commitment to improving the environmental performance of the organization. ISO 14001:2004 requires by design for the organization to improve its environmental performance.
2.) By instilling a culture of prevention. By systematically evaluating the impacts of the organization a real time analysis is performed and controls implemented reducing the risk of an environmental emission.
3.) By setting the organization apart from other organizations. By establishing and certifying the organization’s environmental management system to the ISO 14001:2004 standard it joins a unique group of companies who have committed their organizations to environmental excellence.
4.) Establishes a continuous state of readiness. By implementing and maintaining an ISO 14001:2004 based management system the organization will be ready on a continuous basis for audits by external agencies.
5.) Improves the profitability of the organization. As the organizations reduces the impacts of the organization many of the more expensive costs such as disposal of hazardous materials are significantly reduced.
6.) Develops a transparent, accountable, sustainable organization. The nature of the management review, defined roles and responsibilities, and intenal assessments makes the organization more transparent, accountable and sustainable.
7.) Ensures availability of key resources. Through the management review process top management becomes more readily aware of resource requirements.
Bottom line is organizations implementing and maintaining management systems conforming to ISO 14001:2004 have demonstrated a higher level of commitment to creating a sustainable environment.
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