ISO 14001 is the world’s leading environmental management system (EMS) standard, with over 670,000 certificates issued. It is essential for taking proactive measures to minimize your environmental footprint, comply with relevant legislation and achieve environmental objectives.
The framework encompasses various aspects, from resource usage and waste management to monitoring environmental performance and stakeholder engagement in environmental commitments.
ISO 14001 certification shows that you have implemented a robust EMS and are continually improving your environmental performance.
Combining our world-leading testing, inspection and certification experience with over 30 years of sustainability leadership, we can help you along the path to certification.
Our global network of IMPACT NOW for sustainability experts and end-to-end services are ready to help you navigate compliance with ease. Your audit can include a gap assessment and benchmarking. We will determine your level of environmental management and provide advice on how to achieve ongoing improvement.
We also have a range of complementary services, including ISO 14001 training and integrated management systems certification.
An EMS can be developed and implemented in compliance with ISO 14001, as part of an organization's strategy to implement its environmental policy and address government regulations.
An EMS focuses on meeting the commitments in the policy, which may include reducing or eliminating the negative environmental impacts of products, services and activities, and/or increasing their positive effects.
ISO 14001 helps any organization, regardless of size and sector, reduce its environmental impact, ensure regulatory compliance and demonstrate commitment to a sustainable future.
Industries and sectors include:
In an era of environmental consciousness and global challenges, such as climate change, biodiversity loss and resource depletion, organizations have a vital role to play. The ISO 14001 standard offers a structured approach for addressing these urgent concerns.
By adopting this standard, organizations signal a commitment not only to regulatory compliance but also to ongoing environmental improvement. This proactive approach to environmental management can result in tangible benefits, such as reduced waste, energy conservation and cost savings.
Furthermore, it enhances an organization's reputation, fosters stakeholder trust and often constitutes a critical step for engaging in global trade and supply chains.
ISO 14001 is part of the ISO 14000 family, which provides a framework and tools for organizations to manage their environmental impacts, including EMS and life cycle assessment (LCA).
ISO 14001 is the only certifiable standard within the family, although certification is not mandatory.
ISO 14001 principles include:
ISO 14001 covers a multitude of topics, including:
ISO 14001 is one of many ISO standards that enable certification by a third party, such as SGS. However, certification is not mandatory.
Certification demonstrates to clients and customers that the organization has effectively implemented ISO 14001 and a robust, compliant EMS. It serves as a globally recognized stamp of approval.
The certification process typically involves gap analysis, implementing the EMS as per the standard, internal audits, management reviews and a certification audit by an external body.
Certification is not a one-off event, but an ongoing process. To maintain certification, organizations must continually monitor and enhance their EMS. This includes undergoing regular audits and reviewing performance against objectives to stay competitive and achieve long-term success.
ISO 14001’s harmonized structure is compatible with other management system standards, allowing seamless integration.
Organizations can align or integrate their EMS with other standards to leverage synergy and increase management efficiency.
ISO 14001 is compatible with other ISO management system standards, enabling an integrated approach to managing various organizational capabilities and processes.