ISO 14001:2004, the world standard for the establishment of an environmental management system, is celebrating its 15th Birthday.
With over 230,000 organisations certified worldwide to ISO14001:2004 (as opposed to just 8,000 sites certified under EMAS at the end of March 2011), the 14001 numbers are certainly impressive.
Industries throughout the globe as diverse as steelworks, construction/mining, print and design and even Not For Profits have obtained certification to what has become the most respected and identified global environmental certification.
Increasingly state and local governments are asking for ISO14001:2004 certification within tenders, funding agreements and as part of contractual requirements – something which will increase proportionally to the government’s regulation of the environment/carbon moving forward.
Over the last 5 years we have seen commonalities regarding how to successfully establish (and maintain) an environmental management system to ISO14001:2004 standards – these include:
- Obtaining and maintaining Senior management support – as without them you (and any well meaning collegues) are on your own (literally)
- Formally establishing environmental roles and responsibilities early in the piece – as if you don’t formally know what is expected of you, neither will anyone else
- Integrating where possible – this includes integrating environmental aspects into documents such as risk assessment frameworks, emergency preparedness and response plans, and standard operating procedures.
- Learn to walk before you run – this point emphasises that spending time building a solid foundation and staging implementation is a far more sustainable approach than trying to get certification ‘yesterday’
- Many hands make light work – identify others within your organisation that will help the process along, as this prevents burnout from any one individual and secures buyin from the ‘get-go’.
Looking into the 'green’ crystal ball, ISO14001 is becoming increasingly important to local businesses – particularly those engaged in B2B activities.
Business SA assists organisation’s to implement environmental management systems aligned to ISO14001:2004 – through our green certification scheme.
Business SA Green Accreditation SchemeFor further information regarding our Green Accreditation Scheme register here and choose the level of accreditation that you want to achieve (i.e. bronze, silver or gold).
If you would like to find out more about how our environmental specialists can help your organisation with its environmental goals, contact our Customer Service Centre on 08 8300 0103.
Environment Improver Program
The Environment Improver Program (EIP) has been developed by Business SA in association with the South Australian Environment Protection Authority (EPA), SA Water, EPA, ZeroWaste SA and Innovate SA – specifically for organisations interested in developing or implementing an Environment Management System (EMS).
A combination of industry case studies, theoretical exercises, and real-life scenarios are used to aid participants to develop a foundation environmental management plan aligned to international standard (ISO14001:2004) and Business SA’s own ‘bronze level’ environmental accreditation from scratch.
Practical and profitable solutions provide participants with the ability to decrease their organisation’s energy bills, water consumption and waste production (and thus waste costs).
The next EIP starts on 2 November with a half day workshop, followed by a full day workshop on 16 November, and the final half day workshop on 30 November.
Register for the EIP here or for more information call 08 8300 0103.
