What are the main Elements of an Environmental Management System based on ISO 14001 Standard?

Author: Charles Wilson

ISO 14001 is the international standard that specifies requirements for an actual environmental management system (EMS). It delivers a framework that an organization can follow, rather than establishing environmental performance requirements. Part of the ISO 14000 family of standards on environmental management, ISO 14001 is a volunteer standard that organizations can certify to. Integrating it with other management systems standards, most generally ISO 9001, can further assist in accomplishing organizational goals.

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) describes an environmental management system as "part of the management system used to manage environmental features, fulfill compliance obligations, and address risks and opportunities." The framework in the ISO 14001 standard can be used within a plan-do-check-act (PDCA) approach to constant improvement.

Here are the six main elements of an Environmental Management System, according to the ISO 14001 standard:

  • Environmental policy:

This is a clearly written statement outlining a business’s objectives and targets, in the situation of their environmental policy. It contains principles on environmental sustainability as well as performance indicators relating to the environmental management system. Policy would always be clearly communicated both internally and externally, as well as fully implemented.

  • Planning:

Make thorough plans for implementing the EMS. With clear, full planning, organizations stand to measure the environmental impact of all operations. The purpose of planning is to develop a procedure for identifying compliance requirements, documenting targets and objectives, and creating a plan for deployment.

  • Implementation:

After planning, this step involves the implementation of those plans. This step will also include adjustments and even building of new processes to adapt to changing requirements. It’s important that organizations obviously define, document, and communicate their implementation procedures for purposes of training and compliance contingency. Well-documented procedures also make it easier to improve upon those processes. Scope of this section also includes emergency response planning and preparedness.

  • Study & correct:

After implementing the most basic EMS, observe how it functions, and make corrections or optimizations as required. This step contains the management of new and existing procedures to make sure KPIs are hit and that the EMS is functioning as it should be. Organizations will benefit from establishing a system for documentation as well as conducting audits of the Environmental management system.

  • Management review:

This could really tie in with the previous section, but it’s important to have a distinguished review of the environmental management system directed by management, to make sure that everything is functioning within the scope of successful performance. Management will be best positioned to assess this kind of effectiveness.

  • Continuous improvement:

Every EMS will apply principles of constant improvement to enable organizations to optimize all aspects of the system.

Benefits of implementing ISO 14001 Environmental Management System:

ISO 14001 Lead Implementer Training will give a basic idea about the ISO 14001, benefits of implementing Environmental Management System. Implementation of environment management system gives an organization a systematic way for controlling their environmental impact. Hence the productivity is increased so there is more cost savings in the organization. Another key benefit of implementing the ISO-14001 environment system is that it gives the structure for an organization to attain a very good level of environmental performance that shows the complete assurance of an organization in controlling the impact of environment waste, pollution and energy consumption.

The other key benefits of implementing ISO 14001:

  • Cost Savings due to improved environmental efficiency.
  • Reduction of environmental responsibilities.
  • Reduction of environmental risk.
  • Increased organization capability to battle in global marketplace.