The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is an independent group that has developed over 22,000 standards today. Moreover, there are only three main types of these and one of which is ISO 14001:2015 or the standard for Environmental Management Systems (EMS).
This standard provides guidelines and a solid framework for creating your company’s successful EMS. However, an ISO 14001 certification is voluntary, yet more organizations are now including it in their systems. As a result, there was an 11.5% or 36,000 increase in the total number of valid ISO 14001 certificates from 2019 to 2020.
The Benefits
The ISO 14001 standard has specific requirements designed for businesses to diminish their ecological footprint and thus their negative impact on the environment.
Construction and manufacturing companies will greatly benefit from better waste management and more significant resource lower-cost strategies. Similarly, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and service industries can also be given an advantage and show their environmental commitment to using natural resources more efficiently.
● Improves Environmental Impact
An audit of your company’s environmental efforts and impacts will determine which areas the ISO standard can specifically help you.
Depending on your needs, the standard can provide you with guidelines on streamlining environmental processes to reduce pollution and waste from your business operations. It reduces resource costs and promotes more efficient material use that can reduce the carbon footprint and mitigate climate impact.
Addressing all current and foreboding environmental issues will guarantee you an iso 14001 certification.
● Reduces Costs
As mentioned above, improving your operational techniques can help save your company more money in the long run. New energy-efficient machines and a clean, modern working environment mean better and healthier working experiences. Your enterprise then prevents liability costs from the reduced accident risk.
In addition, your business can procure insurance at lower costs as you show your commitment to being eco-friendly and sustainable. The reduced energy bill and consumption and less water, material, and other resource input will also continually improve your environmental impact over time.
● Demonstrates Compliance
The certificate keeps your company in line with the regulatory and statutory laws and requirements. The guidelines don’t stop working once your business has acquired the certification. Thus, it is an ongoing task to implement the framework to prevent breaches and complications.
Most importantly, a negatively-seen company in the public eyes will not gain the favour and trust of consumers, especially an environmental advocate.
● Opens Up New Opportunities
Today, investors and stakeholders are similar to customers in prioritizing environment-conscious and trustworthy brands. Thus, demonstrating and establishing your environmental efforts and positive impact is crucial to acquiring sales and investments.
Furthermore, obtaining and maintaining the ISO certification builds your credibility that existing customers would choose to be loyal to and even recruit more allies. In addition, most organisations now prefer to work with ISO 14001-certified companies even if they haven’t worked with a company like yours before or they only know little of your brand.
The Maintenance
Getting an ISO 14001 certificate is a feat in itself. Thus, maintaining it is crucial for your image and better environmental impact.
Your company must have a clear-defined list of EMS-skilled and trained leaders and employees. These individuals must allocate roles and responsibilities to make your environmental efforts successful. In addition, every non-compliance, comment, and recommendation must be revisited and repaired.
Addressing all minor and significant concerns will be essential in maintaining your status as the ISO conducts regular audits and follow-ups.
