ISO 14001:2004 Environmental Management System [International Standard]

 

What is ISO 14001:2004?

 

This International Standard specifies requirements for an environmental management system to enable an organization to develop and implement a policy and objectives which take into account legal requirements and other requirements to which the organization subscribes, and information about significant environmental aspects. It applies to those environmental aspects that the organization identifies as those which it can control and those which it can influence. It does not itself state specific environmental performance criteria. 

 

ISO 14001 was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 207, Environmental management, Subcommittee SC 1, Environmental management systems.  This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition (ISO 14001:1996), which has been technically revised. 

 

 

ISO 14001 is an environmental management system (EMS) model designed to control the environmental impacts caused by the activities, products and services of an organization.   The elements are identical to ISO 9001 except for the environmental aspects.  

 

ISO 14001 provides a framework for companies to identify, assess and control environmental issues. It is a model that has gained acceptance worldwide.  Companies in various industries are pursuing ISO 14001 registration. These include automotive, chemical, construction, engineering, food, medical, pharmaceutical and utilities. 

 

The benefits of implementing an environmental management system that is compliant to the requirements of the ISO 14001 include:

• Establishing a uniform approach to meet environmental policy and demonstrate environmental commitment to stakeholders

• Consistently meeting regulatory requirements

• Increasing operational efficiency and minimizing waste

• Building and enhancing relationships with the local community

• Improved environmental awareness

• Satisfying customer demands, which gives a competitive advantage in sales and marketing

An ISO 14001 EMS provides a framework for managing environmental responsibilities. With it, management becomes more efficient and efforts become integrated into overall business operations.  It specifies a process of achieving continually improved environmental performance and complying with legislation.

ISO 14001 EMS model explicitly follows the PDCA philosophy.  The elements of the standard are as follow:

• General requirements

• Environmental policy

• Planning

• Implementation and operation

• Checking and corrective action

• Management review

ISO 14001 is also designed to be compatible with other management system standards and specifications such as ISO 9001 and OHSAS 18001 (occupational health and safety).  This aspect of the standard provides a cost-saving opportunity for organizations to establish an integrated management system where the common processes of the various standards are shared.