Taking care of our planet and preventing our companies from causing negative impacts on the environment are two important challenges facing businesses today. One of the biggest benefits of implementing an Environmental Management System (EMS) is the recognition that comes with being among those businesses that care enough to reduce their environmental footprint. This is where ISO 14001 (2015) comes into play.
ISO 14001 is an internationally recognised standard that provides a framework for organisations to establish and maintain an effective EMS. The standard covers a wide range of aspects, from resource use and waste management to energy efficiency and emissions reduction. Since its introduction in 1996, more than 300,000 global organisations, ranging from small to big corporations, have adopted the standard.
Along with a positive public image, companies will reap other benefits of the standard while becoming more environmentally sustainable. Here are a few key examples;
Improve Cost Control: By optimising resource usage and reducing waste, organisations can achieve long-term savings.
Legal and Regulatory Compliance: ISO14001 aids businesses in comprehending and complying with environmental regulations, minimising the potential for legal penalties and safeguarding their reputation.
Create a Culture of Continual Improvement: With continual improvement, organisations can work toward better processes and reduced environmental impacts in a systemic way.
Stakeholder Engagement: Encourages organisations to engage with stakeholders, including employees, customers, and communities, fostering trust and collaboration.
So how can you and your organisation get started with the process to obtain ISO 14001?
Clearly define your organisation’s goals and objectives and outline exactly how your business will achieve those goals. It's essential senior leadership is committed to and supports the accreditation process. Make sure your team receives proper training to ensure that your organisation’s EMS can operate at maximum efficiency.
Lastly, develop and implement procedures and processes to meet your goals and objectives, and regularly review and improve the EMS based on performance data to promote environmental sustainability.
By embracing ISO 14001, businesses can empower themselves to make meaningful contributions to environmental preservation and demonstrate their dedication to environmental stewardship. This commitment allows them to reap various economic, social and environmental benefits.
Each organisation’s journey toward ISO 14001 certification is unique, so seeking guidance in environmental management can be highly beneficial.
Worlds Better have a fully trained and certified team to support you gaining and maintaining your ISO 14001 certification!
Get in touch with us to find out more on hello@worlds-better.co.uk
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