





Environment Management Systems
ISO14001:2015 is the International Standard for Environmental Management Systems which was issued to replace its predecessor BS7750:1994 drafted in response to consumer concern for the environment and the impact of the throw-away culture of the eighties and nineties.
The standard directs practitioners in the design, adoption, and maintenance of an EMS (Environmental Management System). The latest revision to ISO 9000:2015 will now harmonize with the aspects of this environmental management standard so that the two practices can be administered jointly as a management tool.
ISO14001:2015 is a recognized and highly respected standard available for 3rd party assessment. Registration by organizations that are environmentally responsible and seek recognition for their process and products as being environmentally correct is highly commended if not essential for future sustained business.
In particular, it provides recognition for companies and organizations that practice good stewardship of their processes and minimize the negative environmental aspects whilst maximizing the positive environmental contributions they are capable of achieving. The scope of the standard contains the following:
Environmental Management System Requirements
Environmental Policy
Planning
Implementation and Operations
Checking and Corrective Action
Environmental Management Reviews
Effective implementation of this standard is designed to ensure the environment is a principal consideration in decision making and that environmental goals and targets are set and achieved by the compliant organizations.
Environmental standards make good business sense and achieving recognition for a good environmental record and practicing good public relations and will enhance brand status and respect for Corporate Governance responsible.
On the practical side, an effectively implemented and maintained environmental management system will identify savings in waste management, water, heating, light, power and materials consumption, housekeeping and recycling of by-products and reduced exposure to infringements of legal and statutory obligations, all of which contribute to improved profits and lower operating costs.
This environmental awareness is maintained and driven by audits, monitoring, reviews and measurements which achieve employee recognition and customer respect, all of which contribute to lower costs and higher sustainable profits.
The standard is mainly applicable for owners of the process in which consumption of raw materials, power or natural resources is taking place. This includes industrial processes, which produce or use chemicals, metals, plastics or synthetic materials, paints, treatments or packaging consumables. All producers will derive some benefit from this management practice, although service orientated companies are less likely to receive major savings from the investment in time and effort.
It is particularly important for those who have statutory and legislative obligations to answer for, within the process of the business. The standard is currently under review and subject to re-issue later next year to fully harmonize with ISO 9001:2015 by way of clause references and content.
Advice from Q-Share is strongly recommended before engaging in Environmental Management Systems.
