AS/NZS ISO 14001 Environmental Management Systems

Organisations are increasingly concerned with demonstrating sound environmental performance by controlling the impacts of their activities, products and services on the environment. They do so in the context of stringent legislation and increased concern from stakeholders. Although many organisations undertake environmental reviews and audits, these alone may be insufficient in providing assurance of meeting its legal and policy obligations.

The International Standard, ISO 14001, addresses this issue by specifying requirements for an Environmental Management System (EMS) that form a framework for organisations to design and implement an EMS to suit their own business.  EMS’s that meet the ISO 14001 requirements can be externally audited and certified by an accredited Certification Body such as NCS International.

Initially, organisations with a direct impact on natural resources adopted ISO 14001 such as power stations, water treatment works, and construction companies. Primary producers and mines soon followed using 14001 as a measure to contain and manage their environmental risks and liability. Manufacturing organisations (especially those with ISO 9001 Quality Systems) achieved ISO 14001 certification in response to rising corporate social responsibility, expectations as well as contractual requirements and supply agreements. More recently, government agencies and councils have implemented EMS’s as demonstration that cost savings and a reduced environmental footprint are compatible goals for all organisations.

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Benefits for your business

The ISO 14001 standard is a practical tool for organisations who are not satisfied with mere compliance with legislation. It is for the proactive organisation with a vision to understand that implementing a strategic approach can bring return on investment in environment-related measures. The systematic ISO 14001:2004 approach requires the organisation to take a hard look at all areas where its activities have an environmental impact.

Implementing ISO 14001 can have direct benefits to an organisation such as:

• 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
• sustainable management

Why gain ISO certification?

Organisations seek certification for many different reasons:

• Contracts which the organisation is pursuing may require certification to a particular Standard as a tender condition.
• Certification can provide customers confidence in the services provided by the certified organisation and can therefore be used as a marketing tool.
• Certification provides a verified demonstrated commitment by the organisation to continual improvement and effective customer focus.
• Certified Management Systems have been demonstrated to improve business outcomes and to assist in managing risks within the organisation.
• Certified Management Systems can increase the efficiency of business processes, and thereby reduce waste and rework.
• Certification to a particular standard can be a requirement for international trade.
• Many organisations find that certification of their management system can help to increase sales, reduce staff turnover, improve morale and improve profitability.

For more information, and to find out how we can help, please email us on info@ncsi.com.au, or call on 1300 856 554.  Alternatively, for an estimate of costs of certification, please click on 'Request A Quote'.

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