About ISO 14001

ISO 14001 is the international standard for an environmental quality management system.
ISO 14001:2015 is a part of a series of international standards applicable to any organization, anywhere relating to environmental management. Based on the Plan-Do-Check-Act cycle, ISO 14001: 2015 specifies the most important requirements to identify, control and monitor the environmental aspects of any organization, and also how to manage and improve the whole system.
The international recognition of the Environmental Management Systems standard ISO 14001:2004 is a real boost to any company’s reputation. It assists you to ensure compliance with environmental legislation and reduces the risk of penalties and possible litigation. Demonstrating a real commitment to the environment can transform your corporate culture externally by opening up new business opportunities with environmentally aware customers or clients, while internally it can improve employee ethics and the workplace. ISO 14001:2015 compliance can also provide your company with a better use of energy and resources, and reduce costs over time.
On account of the standard’s compatibility with ISO 9001 (quality management), an increasing number of organizations choose to implement integrated management systems, in order to take advantage of the synergies. Environmental, quality, and occupational health and safety management systems (45001) are fundamental tools of corporate management; their use demonstrates acceptance of responsibility, and the intention to prevent the waste of resources.
ISO 14001 is the international specification for an environmental quality management system (EMS).  A standard which helps your company identify, prioritize and manage its environmental risks as part of your normal business practices.  The standard is designed to address the delicate balance between maintaining profitability and reducing environmental impact. With the commitment of your entire organization, it can enable you to achieve both objectives.The standard is largely based on the ISO 9001 quality standard but also takes into consideration the environmental impact.
Main items include:
•    General requirements
•    Environmental policy
•    Planning implementation and operation
•    Checking and corrective action
•    Management review

All organizations can apply and benefit from this standard.  Especially if you wish to work with organizations or customers who value green approaches to operations.
We all have an impact on the environment, be it from releasing gases into the atmosphere as a result of burning fossil fuels to heat our offices and fuel our cars, to the depletion of natural resources such as from water use or paper consumption.
So ISO 14001 is relevant to every organization, including:
•    Single site to large multi-national companies
•    High risk companies to low risk service organizations
•    Manufacturing, process and the service industries; including local governments
•    All industry sectors including public and private sectors
•    Original equipment manufacturers and their suppliers
The ISO 14001 standard is primarily concerned with the approach of "environmental management", which provides guidance to the organization in order to:
•    Minimize harmful effects on the environment caused by business activities; and
•    Achieve continual improvement of environmental performance.
The standard is widely recognized as a "generic environmental management system standard" which can be applied to any organization, large or small, whatever its product or service.
"Management system" refers to the organization's structure for managing its processes or activities. This structure transforms input of resources into a product or service that meets the organization's environmental objectives such as complying with regulations and resource effectiveness.
Environmental responsibility is an emotional and controversial subject around the world. The public wants protection and governments want regulation. Business is in the middle and pressed by both.
The ISO 14001 standard is valid and recognized throughout the world. It provides companies and organizations with a flexible framework for the voluntary development of environmental protection measures, wherever they may be based. The certification aims to reduce environmental risks and improve environmental performance. For example, it includes measures for saving energy and resources, climate protection, and the disposal of waste materials.