Overview of ISO 14001 and Documentation Requirements

What are the Basics of ISO 14001?

ISO 14001 has become an international standard for the design and implementation of environmental management systems. The standard is published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), which sets and distributes worldwide accepted standards. The most recent version of the Environmental Management System requirements was published in 2015 and is called ISO 14001: 2015. Known as The standard was approved by a majority of member countries before it was released and updated, and as such it has become an internationally recognized standard accepted by most countries in the world.

Benefits of ISO 14001 Implementation

The benefits of ISO 14001 cannot be overstated; companies large and small have used this standard to great the effect, as mentioned above. Here are just a few of these benefits:

Improve your image and credibility – By assuring customers that you have a commitment to demonstrable management of your environmental impact, you can enhance your image and market by maintaining a good public image and improving community relations.

Improve cost control – One improvement that all companies are looking for is reduction of costs. EMS can help reduce this by reducing MSR costs and storage of input materials, while helping the company obtains insurance at this lower cost by reducing liability costs and improving environmental control.

Use evidence-based decision making – By make sure you are using accurate data to make your decisions about what to improve, you can greatly increase the chances of your improvements will be successful the first time, rather than often making unsuccessful attempts. Using this data to track your progress, you can make improvements right before you take the initiative, which can save you time and money.

What are the ISO 14001 documentation requirements?

1. ISO 14001 Manual:

This Document should describe the overall macro-level system with environmental policy, objectives, and scope. The ISO 14001 manual is the key requirement to define any Environmental management system.

2. ISO 14001 Procedures:

These procedures help to implement an effective system in the company as per the guidelines of revised ISO 14001 requirements.

3. Standard Operating Procedures:

Standard operating procedures, environmental control procedures and good work practices are needed for effective EMS.

4. Exhibits:

These are the documents that are required for documenting EMS objectives and targets. Environmental management system operational control plan should be included in the exhibits.

5. Environmental Plans:

This Document should have included Environmental Management Plan, contingency plans, and emergency preparedness plan as per requirements of ISO 14001:2015.

6. ISO 14001:2015 Audit Checklist:

The ISO 14001 audit checklist should be prepared so that it will help to verify the implemented environmental management system.

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