An Essential Guide to ISO14001

This is a practical guide to the new international environmental management standard ISO14001. The guide illustrates in clear sections how to organize an environmental management system (EMS) to attain certification. It is based on a successful model developed by the author over several years as Environmental Advisor at a major manufacturing company in the United Kingdom.

Contents

INTRODUCTION

Origins of ISO14001 as an International Standard from BS7750; Differences between ISO14001 and EMAS (Eco Management and Audit Scheme); Customer demand for this Standard. A requirement to do business?; Political attractions of an environmental standard in place of further environmental legislation; Discussion of the conflicting views about the usefulness of ISO14001.

PLANNING THE STRATEGY AND GETTING STARTED

The main elements of a successful ISO14001 Environmental Management System (EMS); Commitment and resources to reach certification. Single person versus a team approach depends on the type of organization; How to ensure senior management support throughout the process of external certification; The structure of the initial review; Setting a realistic and agreed target for seeking an external audit of the EMS; Internal assessments versus external environmental consultants; Is the organization eligible for a grant?; Selecting an affordable audit firm and the auditors.

DESIGN OF SUCCESSFUL ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS

Hard copy or electronic formats?; Integration of EMS with ISO9000 Quality and Management Systems; Environmental and/or H&S and Environmental policy; Planning - Knowledge of UK and EU Environmental Legislation - How to establish and carry out aspects and impacts analyses; Implementation and operation - Setting objectives and targets - Establishing employee and contractor environmental awareness training - Documenting external and internal environmental communications - Monitoring and measurement; Checking and corrective actions - Internal audits and their schedules - External audits; Management review; The EMS as a living part of the organization’s future.

THE CERTIFICATION PROCESS

Establishing the scope and timescale of the internal and external audits; Preparations for the initial assessment phase (pre-assessment and certification); How to reason with auditors.

AFTER CERTIFICATION

Integration of the External EMS Audit Schedules with other management system audits; Continual assessment phase; How to maintain interest and commitment after certification; Just a plaque on the wall?; Continuous environmental and economic performance improvement for the organization?

© 2002 Published by RhysJones