Glassflake is proud to have achieved ISO 14001, the globally recognized standard for quality management. It helps organizations of all sizes and sectors to improve their performance, meet customer expectations and demonstrate their commitment to quality. Its requirements define how to establish, implement, maintain, and continually improve a quality management system (QMS).
Implementing ISO 14001 means your organization has put in place effective processes and trained staff to deliver flawless products or services time after time. Get in touch to find out more.
ISO 14001 is an international standard for quality management systems (QMS), published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). It provides a structured framework for organizations to ensure that they consistently meet customer and regulatory requirements, aiming to improve customer satisfaction and organizational efficiency.
ISO 14001 is an international standard for environmental management systems (EMS), also published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). It outlines the requirements for organizations seeking to improve their environmental performance, reduce their environmental impact, and demonstrate their commitment to environmental responsibility.
To achieve ISO 14001 certification, an organization needs to go through several key steps:
1. Understand the Requirements
- Familiarize with ISO 14001 Standard: The organization should review ISO 14001:2015 requirements to understand the expectations around creating and maintaining an effective EMS.
- Identify Key Areas of Focus: ISO 14001 covers areas like environmental policy, planning, operational controls, performance evaluation, compliance obligations, and continual improvement.
2. Commitment from Leadership
- Top Management Support: ISO 14001 requires a strong commitment from leadership to support environmental objectives and allocate necessary resources.
- Define Roles and Responsibilities: Designate individuals to lead and manage the EMS, ensuring roles and responsibilities are clear.
3. Conduct an Initial Environmental Review
- Assess Current Environmental Impact: Identify aspects of the organization’s activities, products, or services that interact with the environment (e.g., waste generation, energy consumption, emissions).
- Identify Legal and Compliance Obligations: Understand environmental regulations, legal requirements, and compliance obligations relevant to the organization’s operations.
- Evaluate Risks and Opportunities: This includes identifying potential environmental risks (such as pollution or waste) and opportunities to reduce environmental impact.
4. Set Environmental Objectives and Targets
- Define Objectives: Establish clear, measurable environmental goals (e.g., reducing emissions, lowering energy usage, minimizing waste).
- Develop an Environmental Policy: Create a documented environmental policy that outlines the organization’s commitment to environmental management and is aligned with ISO 14001 requirements.
5. Develop the EMS Documentation
- Create Procedures and Processes: Develop documented processes to manage environmental aspects, meet compliance obligations, and achieve environmental objectives.
- Establish Controls and Guidelines: Define operational controls and guidelines to manage significant environmental aspects.
- Document Control and Records: Set up systems for managing documentation and records as evidence of compliance and performance.
6. Implement the EMS
- Train Employees: Train all relevant personnel on EMS processes, environmental policies, and their specific responsibilities within the system.
- Operationalize Controls: Apply the operational controls defined in the EMS to manage environmental aspects in daily operations.
- Emergency Preparedness: Develop procedures for responding to environmental emergencies, such as spills or emissions.
7. Monitor and Measure Performance
- Collect Data: Track key environmental performance metrics, such as waste reduction or energy consumption.
- Conduct Internal Audits: Perform regular internal audits to evaluate EMS compliance and identify areas for improvement.
- Evaluate Compliance: Regularly review compliance with environmental regulations and obligations.
8. Review and Improve the EMS
- Management Review: Conduct periodic management reviews to assess the EMS’s effectiveness and make decisions about continual improvement.
- Continuous Improvement: Implement changes and improvements based on audit findings, performance reviews, and evolving environmental goals.
9. Undergo Certification Audit
- Select a Certification Body: Choose an accredited third-party certification body to conduct the external audit.
- Stage 1 Audit (Document Review): The certification body reviews the organization’s documentation to verify alignment with ISO 14001 requirements.
- Stage 2 Audit (On-site Audit): The certification body conducts an on-site audit to verify that the EMS is fully implemented and operating effectively.
- Certification Decision: If the EMS meets ISO 14001 requirements, the certification body issues the ISO 14001 certificate.
10. Maintain Certification
- Surveillance Audits: Periodic surveillance audits (usually annually) are conducted to ensure the EMS remains effective and compliant.
- Recertification: After three years, the organization undergoes a recertification audit to maintain ISO 14001 certification.
Benefits of ISO 14001 Certification
- Environmental Impact Reduction: Reduces waste, emissions, and resource use.
- Regulatory Compliance: Facilitates compliance with environmental laws and regulations.
- Operational Efficiency: Identifies cost savings through improved resource efficiency.
- Reputation Enhancement: Demonstrates a commitment to environmental stewardship, which can improve relationships with stakeholders and the community.
- Risk Management: Helps mitigate risks associated with environmental impacts and regulatory non-compliance.
Final Thoughts
Achieving ISO 14001 requires significant commitment and resources, but it can lead to substantial benefits in environmental performance and operational efficiency. The certification process typically takes several months to a year, depending on the organization’s size, complexity, and current level of environmental management.
Morgan joined the Glassflake Team in 2021, combining his interest in chemistry and sales, as Sales Coordinator. Morgan’s is extremely well versed in our glassflake technology and passionate about communicating relevant information and supporting new and existing clients.
