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In the modern world, businesses are increasingly required not only to make profits but also to operate responsibly and sustainably. This is more so the case in regards to environmental sustainability, which is addressed with an ISO 14001 certification. Yet, what exactly is this certification, and what advantages will it bring to your business?
ISO 14001 outlines the Environmental Management System (EMS) Standard, which defines the internationally accepted operational procedures and methodologies relating an organisation’s functions to its environmental obligations. This Standard forms part of the global standards published by the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO).
As with all other standards, ISO 14001 is voluntary, but some companies in construction, logistics, and even certain professional service firms have adopted the Standard. It seeks to enhance emission reduction, conservation, and resource efficiency.
Emphasis is given to financial profits along with resource utilization efficiency, enhancing business profitability and competitive edge while managing environmental compliance risk gaps through effective environmental management. This includes the broader aspects of management such as energy and resource use, waste disposal, impact mitigation, and adherence to relevant environmental legislation specific to the sectors.
It is evident how many companies are adopting ISO 14001 Certification. As a business, you might ask yourself why your business should invest time and resources into becoming ISO 14001 certified. Here are some benefits:
1. Improved Environmental Performance
Each business has their own unique areas of impact towards the environment. ISO 14001 allows businesses to manage their environmental responsibilities in a systematic manner. It helps lower energy consumption, waste and greenhouse gas emissions by controlling them.
2. Legal Compliance
In recent years, the legal space related to Environmental regulations have become increasingly more complex. By becoming ISO 14001 certified, your business gets ensuring adherence to regulatory requirements and avoids legal risks.
3. Enhanced Reputation
It is a known fact that reputation based on sustainability is a deciding factor for customers, investors, and other stakeholders when engaging with a company. This Eco-friendly certification is the proof needed by companies to win new business. Alternatively, the certification can bolster overall brand image alongside increasing the trust extended by customers.
4. Cost Savings
Procurement and operations become inexpensive when energy needs are optimally and correctly managed. Businesses embracing the green way through becoming ISO 14001 Certified are bound to gain financially as operational costs drop significantly.
5. Employee Engagement
Engagement levels among employees tend to be higher, and they take pride in their work when the company practices sustainability. Employment with an ISO 14001 firm today offers unique advantages that other companies cannot teamwork to improve the company’s eco credentials. These factors, along with a common environmental purpose, can help uplift staff morale.
6. Market Advantage
Many large corporations and public sector bodies seem to prefer and, in some cases, mandate their suppliers to be ISO 14001 certified. If you are looking to get new contracts or enter new markets, holding this certification can serve as a significant competitive advantage.
There are multiple steps to achieve ISO 14001 certification. The first step is to establish and implement an environmental management system as per current standards. This encompasses setting environmental objectives, assessing their impacts, and having a robust evaluation and revision mechanism in place.
Post-preparation, you undergo an external audit conducted by certifying bodies. Certificates are issued upon fulfilling the stipulated requirements. The certificate is usually valid for three years, during which time, annual surveillance audits are performed.