While the term 'Environmental Management System' - or EMS - is fairly self explanatory, most organisations need a little help in understanding what is required to implement an EMS and seek accreditation.
The most globally recognised EMS is ISO 14001 Environmental Management System, which was revised as recently as 2015, to make it more user-friendly, and more applicable to current environmental issues and legislation.
Increased Range of Issues
ISO 14001:2015 covers a far wider range of environmental issues, including waste management, resource use and efficiency, air pollution, water and sewage, soil contamination, and climate change mitigation and adaptation.
While making the ISO far more relevant, it also increases the need to enlist the help of a management systems consultant, so that your organisation's EMS can be tailor-made to fit your business and targets.
Prioritise Your Targets
ISO 14001 Environmental Management System offers an excellent framework and guidelines, to help you prioritise your environmental targets, monitor your progress and adapt the EMS as required.
As with any ISO management system, ISO 14001 requires you first to make a commitment, which is reflected in your policies and business practices. You must then plan and implement the EMS - a one-off event; then evaluate and review - an ongoing event.
Continual Improvement is Key
ISO 14001 Environmental Management System is based on continual improvement, not only to minimise your environmental impact, but also to achieve the most benefit for your organisation and your bottom line.
In order to be successful, your EMS must be supported by everyone within your organisation, so communication is a key factor. The payback is that everyone benefits from its implementation. Achieving ISO 14001 Environmental Management System certification increases customer confidence - and generally results in growing your customer base. It is also shown to boost staff moral, which leads to a more productive workforce.
When you understand how ISO 14001:2015 can reduce your costs, and boost your profits, it's easy to see why implementation is such a smart move.
The most globally recognised EMS is ISO 14001 Environmental Management System, which was revised as recently as 2015, to make it more user-friendly, and more applicable to current environmental issues and legislation.
Increased Range of Issues
ISO 14001:2015 covers a far wider range of environmental issues, including waste management, resource use and efficiency, air pollution, water and sewage, soil contamination, and climate change mitigation and adaptation.
While making the ISO far more relevant, it also increases the need to enlist the help of a management systems consultant, so that your organisation's EMS can be tailor-made to fit your business and targets.
Prioritise Your Targets
ISO 14001 Environmental Management System offers an excellent framework and guidelines, to help you prioritise your environmental targets, monitor your progress and adapt the EMS as required.
As with any ISO management system, ISO 14001 requires you first to make a commitment, which is reflected in your policies and business practices. You must then plan and implement the EMS - a one-off event; then evaluate and review - an ongoing event.
Continual Improvement is Key
ISO 14001 Environmental Management System is based on continual improvement, not only to minimise your environmental impact, but also to achieve the most benefit for your organisation and your bottom line.
In order to be successful, your EMS must be supported by everyone within your organisation, so communication is a key factor. The payback is that everyone benefits from its implementation. Achieving ISO 14001 Environmental Management System certification increases customer confidence - and generally results in growing your customer base. It is also shown to boost staff moral, which leads to a more productive workforce.
When you understand how ISO 14001:2015 can reduce your costs, and boost your profits, it's easy to see why implementation is such a smart move.
