WHAT IS THAT
ISO 14001 is an international standard with voluntary adherence , applicable to any type of public or private organization, which specifies the requirements of an environmental management system .This standard, in addition to having the advantage of being easily integrated with other management systems compliant with specific standards ( ISO 9001 , BS OHSAS 18001 , ISO 50001 ), is fully implemented in annex II of reg. 1221/09 ( EMAS III ).
KEY POINTS
To define the management system compliant with ISO 14001 it is necessary:
- carry out an environmental analysis , i.e. achieve in-depth knowledge of the environmental aspects (emissions, use of resources, etc.) that an organization must effectively manage, understand the legislative framework and the provisions applicable to the company and evaluate the significance of the impacts;
- define a company policy
- define specific responsibilities in environmental matters
- define, apply and maintain the activities, procedures and records required by the requirements of 14001
ADVANTAGES
A certified environmental management system allows:- Control and maintenance of legislative compliance and monitoring of environmental performance
- Waste reduction (water consumption, energy resources, etc.)
- Facilitations in financing procedures and bureaucratic/administrative simplifications
- Support tool in investment decisions or technological change.
- Tool for creating and maintaining corporate value
- Instrument for safeguarding corporate assets and transparency in acquisitions/mergers (risk management)
- Guarantee of a systematic and prearranged approach to environmental emergencies
- Better relationship and communication with the authorities
- Improvement of corporate image and reputation
- Implementation of methods defined for the prevention of environmental crimes
The internal audit and certification activities against ISO 14001 can be easily integrated with those for BS OHSAS 18001 certification and EMAS registration.