Revised ISO 14001 on the horizon
Revisions move a step closer
A revised version of the environmental management standard (EMS) ISO 14001 has moved closer to becoming a reality after several rounds of consultation. An agreement has been reached on the draft text for the next consultation and a new version of the standard is currently scheduled for publication in the first half of 2015.
Why revise it?
The revision is part of a wider effort to develop a new structure for all management system standards adopted by The International Standard Organisation (ISO). The changes to ISO 14001 are designed to ensure that companies which adopt the standard actually embed environmental thinking in their core business as opposed to using it in isolation. In effect, the standard will be harder to comply with, but will be a more effective tool in managing your impacts and keeping your costs under control.
What’s changing?
The most significant change involves the scope of the EMS. Rather than focusing on just the internal impacts, the new ISO 14001 will be expanded to include external impacts on your organisation. As such, there will be a requirement for the EMS user to have a good understanding of both the internal and external issues affecting their business, as well as the needs and expectations of interested parties, including suppliers and customers.
Lifecycle thinking
The revised EMS also includes an “environmental aspects” clause which asks companies to consider the lifecycle perspective when evaluating environmental aspects and to include not only the impact of products and services while in use, but also end of life, reuse or recycling. A new clause is being introduced to ensure that processes related to significant aspects are controlled or influenced. In addition a requirement to clearly define a set of performance indicators for each significant environmental objective so that progress can be measured more effectively has been introuduced.
Ultimately, the revised EMS places much more emphasis on business leadership. The standard seeks top management leadership and commitment so that EMS requirements are implemented into your company’s business strategy.
The transition
So what should you do if you wish to become ISO 14001 certified? This depends on how far along the road you are to the full implementation of the EMS.
Tip. If you’re in the early stages, you might want to delay the decision to see what the new requirements of the revised standard are likely to be. If you’ve already started, you should proceed with the existing standard while keeping an eye on the revised version.
Note. Clearly at this stage in the revision process nobody can be sure of the final content. Until the final draft is issued next summer it will be hard to put any firm plans in place to prepare for the changes that will be necessary. We’ll keep you posted on developments.
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