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ISO 14001 - Environmental Management System Standard

AvISO is an industry-leading expert in ISO 14001 and Environmental Management Systems. With offices in London, Kent, and Ireland, we provide global Consultancy, training & Software solutions to support sole traders to multi-national organisations to ensure they achieve the most from their UKAS Accredited Certification to ISO 14001:2015.

Requirements: ISO 14001 – Environmental Management System Standard

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in brief

ISO 14001 is a tool that enables organisations to meet their environmental obligations and communicate to stakeholders that true environmental improvements are being achieved.

ISO 14001 is one of the world's most widely recognised management system designed to provide a framework to support your organisation in achieving environmental excellence whilst reducing costs and winning new business.

This independently certified certification demonstrates a firm grasp of environmental legislation, a reduced environmental risk, and a commitment to continually improving your business.

Our ethos is firmly on enhancing profitability whilst supporting environmental improvements through an effective and efficient Environmental Management System (ISO 14001).

why work with AvISO

  • AvISO has a 100% success rate of achieving UKAS accredited certification to ISO 14001 for our clients
  • AvISO has experience with a wide selection of ISO standards, including ISO 14001, so can offer tried and tested advice on their implementation and integration
  • We are recommended buy all the major Certification Bodies for ISO 14001
  • AvISO has built excellent relationships with Cranfield Universities
  • With an exceptional In-House team of ISO 14001 Consultants and working closely with a rigorously selected group of Technical Experts ensures you receive the best possible service whatever your project
  • We have our own proven software solution designed to provide and simple, efficient, and effective platform to manage all your compliance requirements.
  • We are the only UK company to publish all our Legal Registers freely and provide free no, obligation updates to anyone who requests them. 

The Stages of ISO 14001

Click the stages to view how AvISO can help

ISO-14001 How AvISO Can Help Right Away 

ISO 14001 will support effective management of your business and help you meet customers' requirements. It is suitable to any organisation that wants to improve customer satisfaction, staff motivation and build a culture of continual improvement.

  • Provide advice on upcoming updates to the standard and useful supporting documentation
  • Support you in discussions with Certification Bodies to ensure you get the best price
  • Offer guidance on integrating the new ISO standard with existing controls and standards. This can reduce costs, time and potential complications in the future
  • Carrying out an initial gap analysis of your company against the Standard
  • Create a bridge and line of communication with statutory and regulatory bodies, customers and suppliers
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ISO-14001 How AvISO Can Help Before Certification 

ISO 14001 will support effective management of your business and help you meet customers' requirements. It is suitable to any organisation that wants to improve customer satisfaction, staff motivation and build a culture of continual improvement.

  • Support with tender applications and the development of associated documents
  • Providing information and advice on the best course of action
  • Develop a project plan with key deliverables and a realistic time frame
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ISO-14001 How AvISO Can Help During Certification 

ISO 14001 will support effective management of your business and help you meet customers' requirements. It is suitable to any organisation that wants to improve customer satisfaction, staff motivation and build a culture of continual improvement.

  • Develop the required documentation in a format that most suits your company
  • Support, organise and run any training required
  • Liaise with different members of your company to develop processes that best suit your organisation and create ownership in those that use them
  • Audit the system and make recommendations for improvement
  • Draw on the wealth of experience held by A to offer advice that not only meets compliance but is best suited to your company and its particular motivation
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ISO-14001 How AvISO Can Help After Certification

ISO 14001 will support effective management of your business and help you meet customers' requirements. It is suitable to any organisation that wants to improve customer satisfaction, staff motivation and build a culture of continual improvement.

  • Maintain your Management System with AvISO ISO 14001 Consultant
  • Provide a comprehensive audit schedule & process
  • Conduct audits and ensure the right outcomes are implemented
  • Report on key performance indicators and service improvement
  • Support you in discussions with your Certification Body and aid with external assessment and surveillance visits
  • Maintain and update Legal Registers
  • Develop your system to best incorporate existing requirements, both legislative and voluntary
  • Chair management review meetings
  • Conduct supplier audits
  • Provide impartial professional advice on business improvement
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ISO 14001 FAQs

Most frequently asked questions about ISO 14001

What is ISO 14001:2015?
  • ISO 14001:2015 is the internationally recognised standard that specifies the requirements for an environmental management system (EMS), which can be integrated into your existing management system. Its purpose is to ensure your Organisation's plans, policies, and procedures: minimise environmental harm, maximise efficiency and adhere to legal & regulatory obligations. The standards, guidelines and frameworks can be tailored to all sectors and sizes of businesses committed to operating more sustainably.
What are the benefits of having ISO 14001:2015?

With climate change impacting all aspects of our global society, there is a growing need to act. Businesses are now expected to be drivers for positive change and to demonstrate an approach that considers environmental impact. ISO 14001:2015 standard is achieved through a process-led environmental management system which identifies and manages environmental risks where feasible. 

There are many immediate and long-term benefits including:

  • Reduced carbon footprint, energy usage, waste disposal costs, environmental pollution and raw material consumption through streamlined operational procedures.
  • Ensured compliance with stringent & evolving regulations reduces the risk of prosecution, can lower insurance costs and in some cases limit governmental environmental credentials checks.
  • Enhanced brand recognition and a good public image. Achieving certification opens doors to new tender lists, impresses existing clients and gives you a competitive edge. 
  • ISO 14001 proves to external parties that your Organisation communicates its EMS effectively to all employees, strives for continual improvement and monitors progress regularly, these are part of the standard’s requirements.
  • Increased employee retention, motivation and talent acquisition. By demonstrating decisive action and commitment to environmental issues employees are usually more willing to join due to ethical values.

How much does ISO 14001 certification cost?
  • We are in the process of developing an online cost calculator to be able to provide certification consultancy costs, including certification body costs. Please keep checking our LinkedIn and Facebook profiles for updates! You can call 01892800476 or email [email protected] for further information.

How long does it take to implement ISO 14001?
  • Usually, between 3-6 months, but this depends on the size and complexity of the organisation, the resources available and the current management system in place.

Does an organisation have to be a specific size to have an ISO 14001:2015 certification?
  • No. There are no limits or restrictions to the size or type of organisation wanting to become certified to the ISO standard. 

What are the key steps to get ISO 14001 certified?
  • The process begins with the development of an environmental management system fully supported by top-management.
  • Next step is the Stage 1 Audit. An independent UKAS accredited auditor assesses if your EMS meets the requirements of ISO 14001 standard by conducting a ‘gap analysis’, the report will highlight areas that require action to conform to the clauses of the standard.
  • Final step is the Stage 2 Audit conducted by an external UKAS accredited auditor. Once all corrective actions have been put in place since the Stage 1 report and you are fully compliant; your certification will be awarded!

What is a Certification Body?
  • UKAS is the ‘United Kingdom Accreditation Service,’ recognised by the British Government to assess the competence of auditing bodies that provide certification, testing, inspection, and calibration services. UKAS audits certification bodies: such as ISOQAR, BSI, NQA and QEC to ensure compliance. Many businesses are sold cheaper quotes for ISO standards by certification bodies / consultancies without UKAS accreditation. Please be aware, without UKAS accreditation potential contracts can be lost as when clients realise the EMS is not valid, they may require you to recertify with a UKAS accredited certification body before signing bilateral contracts. Due to the conflict of interest’s certification bodies BSI, QEC, ISOQAR and NQA cannot offer guidance as their role is to be an independent assessor. For advice/ consultancy contact an ISO provider certified by UKAS.

How long is an ISO 14001:2015 certification valid?
  • A certified environmental management system is valid for three years. During this period, internal and external surveillance audits are necessary to maintain conformity during the three-year period before complete recertification.

My Business has multiple sites across the country; do I need an ISO 14001:2015 for each site?
  • Not necessarily. The most cost-effective way would be for your organisation to have an umbrella system whereby all the sites would have to prove that the management system is being followed. A presentation certificate for each site can be issued to ensure conformity to the standard across all your sites. If more than 5 sites, they will apply a sampling approach to the audits, they will need to see all the sites over the 3-year cycle of the audit.

Who is the best person in our organisation to set up and manage an ISO management system?
  • Top management may assign a Compliance Manager or as add-on duties to the role of one of their competent employees. Competent persons based on their education, skills, and knowledge from senior management are recommended to work alongside our management consultants to maintain your management system. Varies from company to company, but whoever has a good working knowledge of the organisation and has the resources to get the job done. 

Why should we use AvISO?
  • AvISO have an industry-leading reputation for providing a first-class service and a 100% certification success rate with the UKAS accreditation service. 
  • All our consultants are certified lead auditors. With over 10 years’ experience in the ISO standards sector we can provide you practical and innovative solutions.
  • Your assigned EMS managers will be provided access to ISOVA, our cloud-based software solution designed with a user-friendly interface. ISOVA was designed by leading ISO consultants to help navigate an EMS with ease, this saves time and helps external auditors check for compliance. The home page has a real-time dashboard that is linked with your reports, such as Risks and Opportunities, to easily track your progress and outstanding remedial actions.
  • Our client-focused approach focuses on creating value for your business, not simply ticking clauses off a checklist.
  • You can view our ISO 14001 clients’ testimonials and case studies here.
  • We can guide you through the standard and gather the required information on-site or remotely. AvISO use SharePoint as a secure way to safely update documents online to maintain and support your management system.

Do AvISO consultants specialise in any one ISO standard?
  • Our consultants are certified lead auditors and are experienced in implementing ISO management systems. Typically, our consultants specialise in 1-3 specific ISO standards and AvISO will assign our consultants with skillsets matching client requirements.

Can someone from Aviso Consultancy offer training to an appointed person within our organisation to manage our Environmental Management System?
  • Yes, AvISO provides exclusive training courses called Toolbox Talks about Management Systems. The courses are designed to give each clause a general understanding and further information. 

Will I have someone to help and advise me to maintain my quality management system?
  • Our expert consultants are always available for help and advice via conference calls, phone and email. Regular visits and communication can be arranged together with an internal audit program agreed upon as an ongoing AvISO consultancy service.

What are the major similarities with ISO: 14001 and other ISO Management System standards?

All ISO standards follow the same framework, where clauses 1-3 are non-assessed and clauses 4-10 are assessed by an auditor. Clause 8 is the meat of each specific standard and often will require a fresh outlook. Similar to other Management Systems, your EMS will have integrated document and record control and be subject to independent / impartial internal audits. Of particular interest should be areas of high environmental risk & control to maximise the benefit of the continual improvement process towards environmental objectives and ensure compliance to legal obligations. Employees must also be aware of the EMS and its implications, this can be through training, inductions or communicated by departmental managers, emails or other forms of communication. Again, there will be monitoring and measurement of environmental KPIs relevant to the Organisations processes, which are escalated to senior leadership for formalised management review.

Do I need to change my operations for ISO 14001?

No, you do not necessarily need to change your current management system’s processes to comply with ISO:14001. However, it is required that you assess each step in the Organizations’ life cycle in terms of environmental risks and opportunities. This new way of thinking and data collection may lead to uncovering inefficiencies and prompt changes to your way of working. For example, reducing energy usage/ material consumption, the use of greener products or suppliers and controlling pollution. 

What is an environmental aspect?

An environmental aspect of an Organisation is any element of its activities that can interact with the environment. For instance, electricity usage for equipment and noise from transport/ manufacturing.

What is an environmental impact?

An environmental impact is the effect these aspects have on the environment. Continuing from our previous examples: energy use contributes to global warming, especially if generated through fossil fuels and noise can affect local communities and wildlife.

What is a significant environmental aspect?

Significant environmental aspects are simply environmental aspects recognised as important and relevant to the Organisation. The Organization understands the need to reduce and manage these aspects with more scrutiny. This enables the Organisation to focus resources on the aspects important to them If it is a legal requirement or has a potential for serious impact these should certainly be considered.

What is the difference between an environmental aspect and environmental risk?

Risk means uncertainty and, in this case, environmental risks are related to significant environmental aspects that are not properly controlled.  For example, the risk of an environmental incident such as spillage or effluent water pollution. However, this can have knock on risks to the Organisation other than the environmental impact. This can include damage to public image and brand reputation, financial penalties from regulators, inability to recruit new employees’ less willingness from suppliers and other 3rd parties with the supply chain to sign/ renew contracts. 

How much detailed company information is required?

Required information to achieve ISO 14001:2015 standard include documents stating your Organisation’s Policy on Quality, specific objectives and an action plan to ensure success. An exhaustive list of these clauses is below:

For a detailed breakdown of each of these clauses and how to implement them into your Management System see our ISO:14001 How to guide

Scope of the Environmental Management System (clause 4.3) – boundaries of your EMS, including sites, processes products and services.

Environmental policy (clause 5.2) – your commitment to environmental objectives and continual improvement

Actions to address risks and opportunities (clause 6.1) – to prevent or reduce undesirable impacts and ensure the intended results of the EMS.

Environmental Aspects (clause 6.1.2) – Aspects are anything in your business with an impact on the environment. Identify and score these based on using risk assessment methodology regularly.

Environmental objectives and how these will be achieved (clause 6.2.1) – Prioritised through risk assessments of environmental aspects and measured for progress. E.g., example monthly energy consumption or waste tonnage.

The Organisation must evidence records that support the clauses of the standard in relation to your Environmental Management System. An exhaustive list is below.

Understanding the needs and expectations of interested parties (clause 4.2) – list of the requirements for all parties impacted by the business activities. 

Records of competency in staff (clause 7.2)

Communication (7.4.2, 7.4.3) – Internally communicate the EMS across all relevant stakeholders so that all individual’s expected contributions towards environmental objectives are universally understood.

Operational planning and control (clause 8.1) – Evidence that you are executing procedures with controls that meet legal obligations and environmental objectives. 

Emergency preparedness and response (clause 8.2) – planned and tested actions to prevent and mitigate environmental damage from business operations and similarly for situations when external environmental events affect operations.

Monitoring, measurement, analysis and evaluation (clause 9.1)

Evaluation of compliance (clause 9.1.2)

Internal Audit results (9.2.2) – critical component of an EMS, used to regularly assess its effectiveness and environmental performance.  

Results of the management review (clause 9.3)

Results of corrective actions including opportunities for improvement (clause 10.2)

To ensure that these files are available and easily accessible to auditors is also a requirement.

ask a question

If you would like to know more about ISO Standards, Certification and the value of a good management system you can add to your business we would love to hear from you: Kent: 01892 800476 | London: 02037 458 476 | [email protected]

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