This International Standard specifies the requirements for an environmental management
system that an organization can use to enhance its environmental performance.
This International Standard is intended for use by an organization seeking to
manage its environmental responsibilities in a systematic manner that contributes
to the environmental pillar of sustainability.
This International Standard helps an organization
achieve the intended outcomes of its environmental
management system, which provide value for the
environment, the organization itself and interested
parties. Consistent with the organization’s
environmental policy, the intended outcomes of an
environmental management system include:
• enhancement of environmental performance;
• fulfilment of compliance obligations;
• achievement of environmental objectives.ives.
This International Standard is applicable to any organization, regardless of size, type and nature
, and applies to the environmental aspects of its activities, products and services that the organization
determines it can either control or influence considering a life cycle perspective. This International
Standard does not state specific environmental performance criteria.
This International Standard can be used in whole or in part to systematically improve
environmental management. Claims of conformity to this International Standard, however,
are not acceptable unless all its requirements are incorporated into an organization’s
environmental management system and fulfilled without exclusion.
Why an organisation should implement ISO 14001?
Most managers will try to avoid pollution that could cost the
company a fine for infringing environmental legislation. But better
managers will agree that doing only just enough to keep the company
out of trouble with government inspectors is a rather weak and
reactive approach to business in today's environment-conscious
world.
The ISO 14000 standards are practical tools for the manager who is
not satisfied with mere compliance with legislation – which may be
perceived as a cost of doing business. They are for the proactive
manager with the vision to understand that implementing a strategic
approach can bring return on investment in environment-related
measures.
The systematic ISO 14001:2015 approach requires the organisation to
take a hard look at all areas where its activities have an
environmental impact. And it can lead to benefits like the
following:
-
reduced cost of waste management
-
savings in consumption of energy and materials
-
lower distribution costs
-
improved corporate image among regulators, customers and the
public
-
framework for continual improvement of environmental
performance.
The manager who is "too busy managing the business" to listen to
good sense about environmental management could actually be costing
the business, instead of achieving benefits like those above.
