MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS - 01.05.2007

What is ISO 14001?

Setting the standards

ISO 14001 is a standard developed by the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO), which focuses on how businesses deal with environmental management issues. To achieve it, a business has to demonstrate how they manage environmental issues in great detail. They are then able to state - in marketing material etc. - that they’ve achieved a recognised goal. So should you go down the ISO 14001 route?

A formal approach

Following the formal approach requires a lot of time, effort and money. Why? To achieve the standard you have to satisfy a number of key requirements, which aren’t exactly straightforward. They include:

1. Implementing a formal environmental policy within your organisation.

2. Assigning formal management responsibilities.

3. Arranging a formal audit and inspection to identify any potential environmental impacts. Preparing a legal register to identify the relevant legislation that covers your business.

4. Producing regular evidence that environmental issues are being considered, and being able to show that the environment is being considered at all times.

5. Collecting evidence that your business is on a path of continuous improvement.

Note. This list is not exhaustive, but is intended to provide an indication of the level of detail and effort required, firstly to achieve, and then keep the accreditation.

When should you go for it?

If you don’t have any formal environmental procedures, policies etc. the simple answer is don’t bother. ISO 14001 accreditation is for businesses who are a long way down the line towards getting their houses in order regarding environmental issues. However, many of the principles are sound and following them could help you progress your own approach to environmental management.

Tip. If you haven’t got anything in place, you’re unlikely to be able to achieve accreditation. But you could do worse than starting to follow some of the principles. Then if you feel that addressing environmental issues in a formal manner suits your business, you can consider going through the accreditation process.

So why bother getting accredited?

It depends on how much you want or possibly need the accreditation. Some businesses do it simply as a marketing exercise - trying to attract the green pound etc. Others out of genuine concern for the environment, and some do it because their clients force their hand into doing so.

Tip. If you work for local borough councils and other big clients, it might be worth, at least, starting to go down the ISO route. Why? Because it’s becoming quite common for some to refuse to deal with companies who don’t have accreditation. It’s often one of their continuous improvement commitments.

The next step

For further information on ISO 14001, visit http://environment.indicator.co.uk (EN 01.11.06).