02 Dec 2024
According to the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) ‘ISO 14001 is a globally recognised standard that provides a framework for an Environmental Management System (EMS).’ (more information on an EMS can be found here How an Energy Management System can help your organisation | (sentinelsafety.co.uk).
The standard was first introduced in 1996, with the aim to help organisations minimise their environmental impact (through preventing pollution and preserving the natural world), improve resource efficiency and reduce waste to gain competitive advantage.
ISO 14001 is part of a family of standards related to environmental management such as ISO 14004 and ISO 14006. ISO 14001 concentrates on implementing an effective EMS. An EMS can be a practical tool, to manage, evaluate and improve an organisations’ environmental impact.
Like ISO 9001 (Quality Management) and ISO 45001 (Occupational Health & Safety) certifications, ISO 14001 also uses the same structure PDCA cycle (plan-do-check act). If you have either of these existing systems, ISO 14001 is easy to integrate.
The main elements of ISO 14001 are to:
ISO 14001 is suitable for all types of businesses, (including not-for-profit organisations), all sizes and all sectors.
In addition to complying with statutory environmental regulations, it obviously helps you to reduce your individual organisation’s resources, such as energy and water, which reduces environmental impact and can also reduce operational costs and improve efficiency.
This can enhance your reputation with employees, customers, investors, and suppliers by demonstrating your commitment to sustainability and gain competitive advantage and help win new contracts. Employee engagement will also improve alongside teamwork and leadership involvement as they all strive to achieve the same goal.
Complying with environmental legislation, can also reduce your public liability costs and reduce the chances of fines/prosecution.
An EMS can save organisations a considerable amount of money, as it forces organisations to think about their product life cycle and makes a clear impact on their bottom line.
The Department for Environmental, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) carried out a case study of those who had implemented ISO 14001 and found.
92% of organisations saved money on landfill costs in the first year
81% reduced their carbon dioxide production.
80% saved money on their energy costs in the first year.
56% won new business through gaining the certification.
The British Assessment Bureau also undertook a study on the benefits for SMEs from the manufacturing and service sector. They found that two thirds of businesses surveyed either increased sales, or expected to since implementing EMS. Commercial and marketing opportunities were the most important trigger but cost savings for the majority of SME’s from implementing EMS was a close second, with an average pay back period of 3 months.
The climate crisis is a huge threat to the future, and is accelerating at an alarming rate. We have seen an increase in businesses being fined for pollution and incorrect waste disposal. The new Government will also introduce their own plans for reducing environmental impact to achieve the ambitious UK net target for 2050. It is no longer acceptable to plan to act on this in the future or think it is just for large companies, the need for corporate responsibility is now and everyone will be responsible for the part they play in their impact on the environment.
It is worth noting that many lending institutions, are asking organisations for their current/future environmental strategy before accepting loan applications. By implementing ISO 14001 you will be able to prove that your business meets legal obligations and has a clear strategy for the future.
If you are part of any organisation who would love to implement ISO 14001 but just do not know where to start, do not have the resources or expertise to invest in this project, we can help support you and ensure you are maximising your efficiency.
Our consultants have a wealth of experience in assisting different industries, small and large to achieve this standard. If you are interested in learning more about ISO 14001 or how it will benefit your organisation, please feel free to contact us on 01527 833834 or email info@sentinelsafety.co.uk
