ISO 14001

Environmental Management Systems

Lead the way in environmental efficiency with ISO 14001 and demonstrate your commitment to sustainable practices. With ISO 14001 Certification, you can, manage your environmental impact, meet compliance obligations, reduce waste and lower costs.

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What Is ISO 14001 Certification?

ISO 14001 is an internationally agreed and recognised standard for Environmental Management Systems (EMS).

An EMS supports organisations in identifying, managing, monitoring and controlling environmental processes.

The standard is suitable for all types and sizes of organisations, including private, non-profit and governmental, and requires organisations to assess environmental issues relevant to their operations, such as waste management, resource use and efficiency.

Successfully achieving ISO 14001 certification will help your organisation comply with environmental laws and regulations and promote sustainable practices.

Discover our expert guide to ISO 14001 to learn more.

iso 14001 certification

What Are the Benefits of ISO 14001?

Better-Reputation

Better Reputation

Win more business

Market Opportunities

Cost-Efficiency

Cost Efficiency

Employee-Productivity

Employee Productivity

Opperational-Control

Operational Control

Legal-Compliance

Legal Compliance

Supply-Chain-Optimisation

Supply Chain Optimisation

Lower-insurance-premiums

Insurance Savings

Stakeholder confidence

Stakeholder Confidence

Competitive advantage

Competitive Edge

Risk-Mitigation

Risk Mitigation

Adaptability

Adaptability

How much does ISO 14001 certification cost?

The cost of your ISO 14001 certification will be quoted on a fixed fee basis, plus potential travel/accommodation fees – which will be agreed with you in advance so you won’t have to worry about additional costs.

The price for your ISO 14001 will depend on:

  • Your organisation’s total size
  • The sector you operate in
  • The number of locations you operate from

We promise no hidden costs and transparent pricing at each step.

We also offer a range of flexible payment plans.

Key Requirements of I4001

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Environmental impact management

Organisations must employ a systematic approach to identify, assess and manage environmental aspects and impacts related to their business operations.

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Legal compliance

Companies should establish processes for monitoring and adhering to legal requirements, mitigating the risk of non-compliance and associated penalties.

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Resource efficiency

Prioritising resource management is essential for environmental and financial success. Businesses should optimise resource usage and reduce waste generation and materials.

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Continual improvement

Routine assessments of your EMS are vital. Internal and external assessments and evaluations should identify problem areas to improve overall environmental performance.

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Leadership commitment

Senior leaders and top management are key for promoting environmental responsibility. Their commitment is critical in fostering a culture of sustainability throughout the business.

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Stakeholder engagement

Establishing and managing relationships with stakeholders, including suppliers and partners, with a focus on environmental and sustainable practises, is key.

Why You Should Choose British Assessment Bureau

  • 100% UKAS-accredited certification services: Your certification comes with the coveted Crown & Tick mark, which proves to your clients that it has the strength and security of government backing. Find out more about our UKAS accreditation.
  • Expert support when you need it: Our auditors are with you every step of the way and our team is available online to offer support when you need it.
  • 5-star Feefo customer satisfaction: Our customers are so happy with our service that 97% have given us 4- or 5-star reviews. We are proud to hold an “Exceptional” Feefo rating – awarded to businesses achieving a rating of at least 4.5 for over ten years.
  • Flexible payment options: You can pay for your certification monthly or all at once, whichever works best for your organisation.
Why you should choose British Assessment Bureau

How To Become ISO 14001-Certified

It’s an easy process to become ISO 14001 certified. To achieve ISO 14001 certification, you must show evidence that your Environmental Management System (EMS) meets the standards needed for certification. Our expert ISO auditors will conduct a comprehensive multi-stage assessment process to audit your EMS and determine if it meets the global standard requirements. Our in-house Client Success Team will be in touch to explain the process and help you make plans for your Stage 1 assessment.

STEP 1
STEP 2
STEP 3
STEP 4
Stage 1 assessment – initial review

A Stage 1 audit is the initial step in the certification process, carried out to evaluate an organisation’s readiness for a Stage 2 audit. It involves a review of management system documentation, an assessment of site-specific conditions, and an evaluation of the organisation’s preparedness, including how the management system has been put in place so far. This stage helps identify potential issues, confirm the scope of the management system, and ensure the Stage 2 audit can be effectively planned. It also provides the organisation with critical feedback and planning insights to help optimise resources and ensure the success of the Stage 2 audit.

Stage 2 assessment – in-depth review

When you’re ready, our auditor will complete a full assessment to establish if your management systems and processes meet the requirements of the standard. A critical part of your Stage 2 assessment will be reviewing real examples of the delivery of your products and services. You’ll be advised of the Auditor’s recommendations on the day, which will be ratified by our Compliance department, and your certification will be issued following the decision subject to compliance with the standard.

Auditor’s recommendations

You’ll be advised of the Auditor’s recommendations on the day, which our compliance department will ratify, and your certification will be issued following the decision, subject to compliance with the standard.

SUCCESS! Certification issued

We’ll help you keep up to date. ISO certification’s excellent reputation is driven by its requirement for ongoing assessments and continual improvement, so we’ll keep in touch and arrange annual assessments to keep your certification up to date.

How To Become ISO 14001-Certified

It’s an easy process to become ISO 14001 certified. To achieve ISO 14001 certification, you must show evidence that your Environmental Management System (EMS) meets the standards needed for certification. Our expert ISO auditors will conduct a comprehensive multi-stage assessment process to audit your EMS and determine if it meets the global standard requirements. Our in-house Client Success Team will be in touch to explain the process and help you make plans for your Stage 1 assessment.

STEP 1
Stage 1 assessment – initial review

A Stage 1 audit is the initial step in the certification process, carried out to evaluate an organisation’s readiness for a Stage 2 audit. It involves a review of management system documentation, an assessment of site-specific conditions, and an evaluation of the organisation’s preparedness, including how the management system has been put in place so far. This stage helps identify potential issues, confirm the scope of the management system, and ensure the Stage 2 audit can be effectively planned. It also provides the organisation with critical feedback and planning insights to help optimise resources and ensure the success of the Stage 2 audit.

STEP 2
Stage 2 assessment – in-depth review

When you’re ready, our auditor will complete a full assessment to establish if your management systems and processes meet the requirements of the standard. A critical part of your Stage 2 assessment will be reviewing real examples of the delivery of your products and services. You’ll be advised of the Auditor’s recommendations on the day, which will be ratified by our Compliance department, and your certification will be issued following the decision subject to compliance with the standard.

STEP 3
SUCCESS! Certification issued
STEP 4

Our ISO 14001 Support Services

Discover more about ISO 14001

Learn about ISO 14001 certification for your Environmental Management System with our expert guides and insights.

ISO 14001 training courses

Our expert training courses help you understand, implement and maintain an effective Environmental Management System.

Case studies

Discover how British Assessment Bureau has helped forward-looking organisations achieve certification.

Your ISO 14001 Certification Questions Answered

What are the ISO 14001 requirements?

ISO 14001 outlines the requirements for an Environmental Management System (EMS) that any organisation can follow.

The key requirements include:

Environmental policy

Create a policy that shows your commitment to environmental management.

Planning

  • Identify how your activities impact the environment
  • Determine relevant legal requirements
  • Set measurable environmental goals

Implementation and operation

  • Allocate resources and define roles and responsibilities
  • Train staff and raise awareness about environmental responsibilities
  • Establish effective communication processes
  • Maintain necessary documentation
  • Manage operations to minimise environmental impact
  • Prepare for potential environmental emergencies

Performance evaluation

  • Monitor and measure your environmental performance
  • Ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations
  • Conduct internal audits to check the performance and effectiveness of your EMS
  • Review the system regularly and make necessary adjustments  to ensure it remains effective

Improvement

Address and correct any issues that arise. Continually look for ways to improve your EMS and reduce environmental impacts

If you follow these requirements, your organisation can demonstrate its commitment to environmental sustainability and improve your corporate image.

How to prepare for ISO 14001 certification

Preparing for ISO 14001 certification involves several key steps to ensure your organisation meets the standard’s requirements.

Follow these steps to help you get started:

  • Understand the standard – Familiarise yourself with the ISO requirements and guidelines. You can find this information in the ISO 14001:2015 standard document.
  • Get management support – Ensure stakeholders are committed to achieving certification. Their support is crucial for providing the necessary resources and driving the implementation process.
  • Conduct a gap analysis – Assess your current environmental management practices against the ISO 14001 requirements. Identify gaps and areas that need improvement.
  • Develop an environmental policy – Create a clear, concise policy demonstrating your commitment to managing and reducing your environmental impact.
  • Set objectives and targets – Establish measurable environmental objectives and targets that align with your policy and relevant legal requirements.
  • Create an implementation plan – Develop a detailed plan that outlines the steps needed to implement the EMS. Assign roles and responsibilities, set timelines and allocate resources.
  • Build awareness and train staff – Educate employees about ISO 14001 and their roles in the EMS. Provide training to ensure they have the necessary skills and knowledge.
  • Document your processes – Maintain documentation of all EMS-related processes, procedures, and records. This includes your policy, objectives, targets and any procedures you implement.
  • Implement the EMS – Put your plan into action. Ensure all processes and procedures are followed, and start monitoring your environmental performance.
  • Conduct internal audits – Regularly audit your EMS to verify compliance with ISO 14001 requirements. Identify and address any non-conformities.
  • Review and improve – Conduct management reviews to evaluate the effectiveness of the EMS. Use the findings from audits and reviews to make continual improvements.
  • Prepare for the certification audit – Ensure all documentation is up-to-date and your EMS is fully implemented. Conduct a final internal audit and address any issues.
  • Achieve certification – If your EMS meets the standard’s requirements, your certification will be issued. Maintain and continually improve your EMS to keep your certification.

If you systematically prepare your organisation for ISO 14001 certification, you can demonstrate your commitment to environmental management.

How can ISO 14001 improve your business?

From regulatory compliance and cost savings to improved reputation and employee engagement, ISO 14001 brings a whole host of benefits. Adopting this standard positions your business for sustainable growth and success.

  • Implementing ISO 14001 can significantly improve your business’s environmental performance and operational efficiency. This standard helps you identify and manage environmental impacts systematically, assisting your business in remaining compliant with environmental laws and reducing the risk of legal issues.
  • One key benefit of certification is cost savings. Promoting efficient use of resources such as energy and water helps reduce wastage and lower operational costs. Better waste management practices also minimise waste generation and disposal costs. Implementing ISO 14001 has the potential to deliver £5,000 per £m turnover in efficiency savings.
  • It can boost your business’s reputation by demonstrating your commitment to sustainable practices. This will make your brand more attractive to environmentally conscious customers and partners, opening up new markets and opportunities, particularly in tenders that require ISO 14001 certification, and attracting sustainability-focused investors. In fact, 58% of organisations met client demand for compliance, 25% qualified for or won new business, and 20% were more successful at winning tenders after implementing the standard.
  • The standard encourages the development of efficient processes, leading to less downtime and increased productivity. It also helps identify and mitigate environmental risks, reducing potential disruptions to operations. Continual improvement ensures your business is always improving its environmental performance.
  • ISO 14001 can help your business raise staff awareness and understanding of environmental issues, creating a culture of sustainability. Involving employees in environmental initiatives can boost morale and job satisfaction, and training ensures they are equipped to manage environmental responsibilities.
  • Finally, it strengthens relationships with stakeholders. Build trust with clients by showing a proactive approach to environmental management and improve relations with local communities by demonstrating a commitment to reducing environmental impacts. The focus on continual improvement ensures long-term sustainability and business success.
What size of organisation can benefit from ISO 14001 certification?

ISO 14001 is designed to be flexible and applicable to organisations of all sizes and sectors.

Small businesses can benefit from streamlined operations, reduced waste and lower costs, which are crucial for those with limited resources. Achieving certification can also boost a small company’s reputation, making it more attractive to customers and partners who prioritise sustainability.

Certification can help medium-sized enterprises manage growth sustainably. The standard provides a structured framework for improving environmental performance, supporting compliance with regulations and reducing environmental risks. This leads to operational efficiency and cost savings, supporting the company’s expansion efforts.

Large corporations often have complex operations and significant environmental impacts. The standard helps these organisations manage their environmental responsibilities systematically across multiple locations and departments. Certification improves regulatory compliance, enhances the company’s reputation and opens up new business opportunities, particularly in markets prioritising sustainability.

ISO 14001 can also benefit non-profit organisations and government bodies. These entities can use the standard to demonstrate their commitment to environmental stewardship, improve resource management and meet compliance requirements with environmental regulations, setting an example for others to follow.

Learn more about the business benefits of ISO 14001 with our expert guide.

What support will I get during certification?

We understand that certification can appear daunting. Our experts are here to make sure that the process is as smooth as possible and that you gain maximum benefits.

To keep everything running smoothly, you’ll receive the following:

  • A Letter of Commitment once you start proceedings
  • An Auditor who’ll stay with you throughout the entire certification process
  • A dedicated Account Manager to answer all of your questions
  • Access to free professional online training
Will my certification be accredited?

UKAS accreditation is a key part of the confidence we can guarantee our clients.

Our accredited ISO 14001 certificates all come with the coveted ‘Crown & Tick’ mark, underlining the security that only comes from Government-backed certification.

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