What is ISO 14001 and why is it important?

The ISO 14000 family of standards provide a guideline for organisations looking to manage their environmental impact. Within this is the ISO 14001 standard, which covers the implementation of an environmental management system. This is a generic standard, meaning it can be implemented in organisations of any size and in any industry. From a big factory hoping to reduce its waste to a small office that’s looking to cut down on gas and electricity use, the standard is suitable for all.

The ISO 14001 framework is designed to measure and improve how organisations use and dispose of natural resources. The standard aims to help you reduce your impact on the environment by guiding you to consider all aspects of your business, such as storage, distribution, and manufacturing. Though more efficient use of resources and reduction of waste, the standard helps organisations improve their environmental performance.

Why is ISO 14001 important?

There are a number of reasons why ISO 14001 is important; because of the nature of the standard, it has become more prevalent among businesses, largely due to growing climate concerns and increasing pressure from social groups.

Corporate and social responsibility

The standard places a large focus on reducing an organisation’s environmental waste. By continuously identifying areas where waste can be reduced, your organisation will become more efficient and your environmental impact lessened. As companies operate on a much larger scale than individual consumers do, they have a corporate environmental responsibility to take action on climate change.

Supportive environmental change

It is becoming more and more important for companies to demonstrate their active efforts in reducing their environmental impact. With sustainability and climate change becoming more prominent in recent years, businesses must take it upon themselves to become part of the solution to tackle global warming. In 2017, one study found 81% of global respondents felt strongly that companies should help improve the environment. Getting ISO 14001 certified proves to your customers and clients that you are actively trying to become a more sustainable company.

Continuous improvement

The ISO 14001 standard, like most ISO standards, places huge importance on continuous improvement. As processes and systems change, organisations must adapt their strategy to ensure they are always striving to achieve the best for their organisation. Abiding by the standard ensures you are always ahead of your game when it comes to efficiency and following compliance regulations.