ISO 14000

What is ISO 14001 - 2004?

The ISO (International Organization for Standardization) 14000 series of standards was developed for incorporating environmental aspects into operations and product standards. ISO 14001 specifically requires implementation of an Environmental Management System (EMS) in accordance with defined internationally recognized requirements, including the following:

	Establishing an environmental policy
	Determining environmental aspects and impacts of products, activities & services
	Identifying and complying with applicable environmental rules and regulations
	Developing environmental objectives, targets and implementing programs to meet the objectives and targets.
	Training of employees to ensure environmental competence
	Implementation of operational controls to prevent environmental impacts
	Identification of and preparation for environmental emergencies
	Monitoring of activities and corrective actions for nonconformances
	Conducting management reviews

Why Should You Care About ISO 14001?

For many companies, a key component of their quality process has become requiring conformance to ISO standards from their suppliers. This requirement can affect you in a number of ways:

	ISO 14001 has become a contractual requirement of customers worldwide, and your competitors may be getting certified as a competitive advantage
	Your customers may be obligated to require ISO 14001 certification from their vendors in order to meet their continuous improvement objectives
	Since ISO 14001 is closely related to the ISO 9000 Quality standards, many expect that ISO 14001 will soon become a requirement for attaining or maintaining quality system certification or preferred customer status
	Companies not meeting customer mandates to obtain ISO 14001 certification may be faced with a major nonconformance during their next quality system audit, for not meeting customer requirements
	ISO 14001 is a logical next step for companies who have obtained ISO 9001 or ISO/TS 16949 certification, because the management system principles are essentially the same

Benefits of ISO 14001 Registration

The benefits of implementing an EMS in accordance with the ISO 14001 standard include:

	Identifying areas for reduction in energy and other resource consumption
	Reducing environmental liability and risk, helping to maintain consistent compliance with legislative and regulatory requirements
	Preventing pollution and reducing waste (and associated waste disposal costs)
	Enhancing customer and shareholder satisfaction with your company
	Improving community goodwill and achieving international recognition
	Profiting in the market for "green" products
	Responding to insurers' requirements for proof of good management for pollution-incident coverage
	Demonstrating commitment to quality and continuous improvement

ISO 14001 Implementation

If you need to implement an environmental management system (EMS) to meet the requirements of the ISO 14001 standard, let Conformance Management Associates LLC help you. We can provide you with our basic package that includes a CD with guidance and templates for fulfilling the paperwork requirements. If you would like more assistance, you can order our silver package which also includes a training outline for use with staff members. Gold and platinum packages will additionally provide you with one-on-one consulting for technical assistance with implementation. For more information on this inexpensive and flexible method for EMS development, view our ISO 14001 Implementation page or Contact us to discuss how we can meet your facility's specific needs.

ISO 14001 Certifications

CMA is a certified ISO 14021 Internal Auditor. View this certification