ISO 14001 : 2004
The revised ISO 14001 standard was published in November 2004 and replaces the 1996 version. Existing companies have 18 months from publication to upgrade to this revised standard.
BS EN ISO 14001 : 2004 — Key Changes of Emphasis & Requirements
The key changes in emphasis are in providing evidence of compliance to legislation and in achieving actual environmental improvements.
The key changes in requirements are shown below. Small changes to the wording are not detailed.
General requirements. This section now requires the scope of the environmental management system (EMS) to be defined and documented; it also requires the system to be continually improved. Note the definition of the EMS is broad and not restricted to just documentation.
Environmental policy - this has to relate to the defined scope.
Environmental aspects specifically include planned or new developments, new or modified activities, products and services. This is in addition to the existing requirements for identification of environmental aspects.
Legal and other requirements. The standard now requires for it to be determined how these requirements apply to the environmental aspects. This means that all legislation identified as applicable needs to be referenced to the relevant aspects.
Objectives, targets and programme(s) are now all in one section. Objectives and targets must be measurable (where practicable) and consistent with the commitment to prevent pollution. Amongst other things, technical options, financial, operational and business requirements and views of interested parties need to be taken into account when setting objectives.
Competence, training and awareness of system etc now specifically include persons working on behalf of the organisation (as well as those working for it).
Communication. The organisation needs to decide whether to communicate externally about its significant aspects and document its decision. Also, where policies and procedures need to be communicated to staff members there is now a requirement to communicate these to people working on behalf of the organisation (for example, subcontractors).
Documentation shall include; policy, objectives, targets, scope of management system, description of main elements of the system and their interaction, reference to related documents.
Control of documents now includes external documents.
Evaluation of compliance is a new heading. Most items were under the monitoring and measurement heading, which has now been split. Records shall be kept of the results of the periodic evaluation of compliance with applicable legal requirements.
Internal audits . The selection of auditors and the conduct of audits shall ensure objectivity and the impartiality of the audit process.
Management review shall include assessing opportunities for improvement. The input to the review shall include:
- Results of internal audits
- Evaluation of compliance with legal requirements
- Communications from external interested parties
- The environmental performance of the organisation
- Extent to which objectives and targets have been met
- Changing circumstances including developments in legal and other requirements related to its environmental aspects Recommendations for improvement.
One of the most effective ways to minimise environmental risks, meet legislative requirements and demonstrate corporate governance is through the implementation of an environmental management system (EMS).
Certification to the internationally recognised EMS standard, BS EN ISO 14001:2004 from an accredited and reputable provider is becoming a preferred choice for organisations looking to demonstrate their environmental credentials with nearly 50,000 approvals in 118 countries*.
How can BS EN ISO 14001:2004 benefit my organisation?
An effective EMS certified to ISO 14001 can help an organisation operate in a more cost efficient and environmentally responsible manner by managing its impacts, including those which it can control and influence while also complying with relevant environmental legislation and its own environmental policy.
There are numerous benefits associated with a certified BS EN ISO 14001:2004 management system:
- compliance with legislative and other requirements by providing a systematic approach for meeting current and identifying future legislation
- helps you demonstrate conformance and that you are fulfilling policy commitments and making continual improvement against specific targets to meet overall objectives
- competitive edge over non-certified businesses when invited to tender
- improved management of environmental risk
- increased credibility that comes from independent assessment
- continual improvement which helps drive more efficient use of raw materials and enhanced performance leading to cost reductions
- shares common management system principles with ISO 9001 and OHSAS 18001
- enabling integration of your quality, environmental and occupational health and
- safety management systems
