Climate change has understandably become a hot topic in recent years. Consumers and corporations are looking at ways to manage and reduce their environmental impact, from recycling to sourcing alternative sustainable energy suppliers. Implementing an Environmental Management System could help.
For organisations, environmental considerations and energy management are increasingly becoming part of logistics and supply chain requirements. From tender requirements to supplier compliance, if your business forms part of a larger supply chain, it may face increased scrutiny on its environmental impact.
This is being driven by consumer demand – for example, 60% of Britons agree that climate change is the biggest threat to civilisation – and top-down government legislation, such as the requirement for the country to be net zero by 2050.
With such a sharp focus on environmental impact, implementing an Environmental Management System (EMS) can help manage and improve environmental processes, reduce waste and demonstrate stakeholder compliance.
You could implement an EMS using ISO 14001’s framework to help build sustainability success. ISO 14001 is the global standard for Environmental Management Systems, helping organisations better manage and improve their environmental impact.
But how exactly does an EMS work, and how do you effectively implement one?
What Is an Environmental Management System (EMS)?
An Environmental Management System is a structured, systematic approach that enables businesses to manage their environmental footprint effectively. It aims to help reduce an organisation’s environmental impact, improve environmental performance and foster sustainability.
The comprehensive framework provided by an EMS can help guide and support an organisation in reducing its negative environmental impact.
To reduce an organisation’s environmental impact, an EMS involves identifying the environmental aspects of its operations, products and services and devising strategies to minimise their impact.
This could mean implementing eco-friendly practices such as reducing waste, recycling, managing water usage or controlling emissions. It also helps businesses understand and comply with environmental laws and regulations.
What Is the Purpose of an EMS?
An Environmental Management System helps organisations systematically reduce their environmental impact and improve their performance.
The vital aspects of an EMS include training, continual improvement, risk management and efficiency. Throughout its duration, an EMS is an asset for identifying environmental risks related to an organisation’s operations and implementing controls to manage those risks.
Continual improvement is a common tenet of management systems and ISO standards. Organisations are encouraged to set and achieve environmental objectives, regularly monitor their performance and make ongoing improvements to their processes.
Read more about Opportunities for Improvement (OFI).
Which Environmental Elements Are Considered When Implementing an EMS in the UK?
Businesses can produce various types of waste across all their departments, including water, energy, materials (paper, fabric, metal and synthetics) and carbon.
When implementing an Environmental Management System, the following areas are considered vital when it comes to identifying an organisation’s potential impact and areas for improvement:
- Carbon emissions – The greenhouse gas emissions from an organisation’s activities, particularly energy use and transportation, are analysed. Efforts are then made to reduce these emissions, mitigating their impact. Carbon emissions can include direct (Scope 1), indirect from energy use (Scope 2) and other indirect emissions from the value chain (Scope 3). You can use tools such as the Carbon Trust carbon footprint calculator. This analysis often also includes emissions into the air, contributing to overall air quality management.
- Energy use – Energy consumption for electricity, fuel, heating and cooling is assessed. Energy-efficient practices and technologies are adopted to reduce energy use and costs. This also includes resource consumption to support the sustainable use of natural resources.
- Emissions to land – The impact of waste disposal and pollutants on soil quality is evaluated. Measures to prevent soil contamination and promote sustainable land use are key.
- Lifecycle impact of products/services supplied – The environmental impact of products or services throughout their entire lifecycle is analysed, from raw material extraction to disposal. This approach encourages designing more sustainable products.
- Visual impact – The visual or aesthetic impact of the organisation’s operations is assessed, particularly for businesses in construction, manufacturing, or environmentally sensitive areas.
- Waste material generation – The waste produced by a business is evaluated for its impact. Strategies are then developed to reduce, reuse or recycle material waste, minimising the organisation’s contribution to landfills and pollution.
- Water use – Water consumption and wastewater discharge are measured and assessed. Measures can be implemented to conserve water and reduce the strain on local water systems. This includes considering emissions to water to help prevent and reduce water pollution.
An EMS helps businesses reduce their environmental impact and operate more sustainably by considering these core elements. As a result, an organisation can enjoy several benefits, as can the planet.
Who Should Be Implementing an ISO 14001 Environmental Management System?
An EMS can benefit any organisation, regardless of its size or industry. Whether a small local business or a multinational corporation, the standard can help you manage your environmental impact and improve sustainability. This includes manufacturing companies, service providers, government agencies and not-for-profit organisations.
However, organisations in the construction, oil and gas, hospitality, transport, healthcare and agriculture industries may benefit the most.
An ISO 14001 EMS is also a valuable asset whether you’re just starting to become more eco-friendly or already have advanced initiatives in place. For certain UK industries, having an EMS in place may be a requirement to be eligible for certain commercial or public body tenders.
What Is ISO 14001:2015?
ISO 14001:2015 is the latest iteration of the ISO 14001 standard. This most recent iteration emphasises the Plan, Do, Check, Act (PDCA) approach. This is a system designed to create continual improvement through iteration. Organisations develop an environmental plan after several impact assessments (Plan), then carry out the plan (Do), which is followed by an analysis of the plan’s performance (Check) and then take further action based on their findings by creating a new improvement plan (Act).
Like with other ISO standards, becoming ISO 14001-certified is a long-term commitment, requiring a continual investment of time, money and resources.
What Are Some Examples of How an EMS Can Help?
An Environmental Management System can help any type or size of organisation, but each industry can potentially enjoy unique advantages depending on its specific sector.
In the construction industry, organisations could:
- Minimise waste and reduce resource consumption
- Enhance compliance with environmental regulations
- Improve site management and minimise environmental impact
In the oil and gas industry, organisations could:
- Monitor and manage emissions and discharges
- Enhance spill prevention and response strategies
- Improve compliance with environmental and safety regulations
In the hospitality industry, organisations could:
- Reduce energy and water consumption
- Improve waste management and recycling efforts
- Enhance guest experiences through sustainable practices
In the manufacturing industry, organisations could:
- Optimise resource efficiency and minimise waste
- Improve compliance with environmental regulations
- Enhance product lifecycle management and sustainability
In the agriculture industry, organisations could:
- Implement sustainable farming practices and soil management
- Reduce pesticide and water use
- Enhance biodiversity and ecosystem conservation
In the transport industry, organisations could:
- Improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions
- Optimise logistical operations and route planning
- Demonstrate compliance with environmental transport regulations
In the healthcare industry, organisations could:
- Reduce hazardous waste and manage disposal
- Enhance energy efficiency in facilities
- Improve compliance with health and environmental standards
In the retail industry, organisations could:
- Reduce packaging waste and improve recycling
- Promote sustainable sourcing and supply chain transparency
- Enhance brand reputation through sustainability initiatives
An EMS helps these industries comply with regulations. It also improves operational efficiency as well as sustainability and stakeholder trust.
The Benefits of Implementing an EMS
Implementing an ISO 14001 Environmental Management System can benefit your organisation in several ways, while minimising its impact on the environment:
- Improved regulatory compliance – An ISO 14001 EMS provides a systematic approach to identifying potential issues and helps organisations comply with relevant environmental laws and regulations. This can help avoid possible fines, penalties and legal complications.
- Reduced waste and cost – An EMS encourages waste reduction by promoting the efficient use of resources. This helps the environment and can lead to significant waste handling and disposal cost savings.
- Improved environmental performance – By providing a framework for continual environmental performance improvement, an ISO 14001 EMS helps businesses set and achieve environmental targets, effectively manage their environmental influences and reduce their carbon footprint.
- Enhanced image and market share – Implementing an ISO 14001 EMS can boost a company’s reputation and brand image. By demonstrating their commitment to environmental responsibility, companies can differentiate themselves from competitors, attract environmentally conscious customers and potentially increase their market share.
- Culture of continual improvement – Through training and consistent engagement, an organisation can generate a culture of continual improvement around its environmental impact. Greater awareness and employee engagement could result in more effective sustainability practices.
By increasing your organisation’s environmental responsibility with ISO 14001, you can increase profitability, enhance your reputation and gain access to new markets.
Why You Should Choose an ISO 14001 Certification for Your EMS
ISO 14001 is recognised globally as the standard for Environmental Management Systems.
Achieving ISO 14001 certification signifies to stakeholders and clients that your business has implemented an effective EMS that meets the rigorous requirements set by this standard. It also demonstrates your commitment to reducing your environmental impact and improving your environmental performance.
By becoming ISO 14001-certified, your organisation can enhance its competitive advantage and reputation, build trust with its stakeholders and gain access to new global markets.
This commitment fosters trust and credibility and contributes to long-term sustainability and operational efficiency.
Can ISO 14001 Help Organisations Become B Corp?
ISO 14001 certification can be valuable for an organisation aspiring to become a B Corporation (B Corp).
B Corps are organisations that meet verified social and environmental performance standards. An ISO 14001-certified EMS can demonstrate your commitment to these standards, providing evidence of your processes, systems and compliance.
Here’s how elements of ISO 14001 can support B Corp certification efforts:
| ISO 14001 Element | Support for B Corp Certification |
| Environmental policy | Demonstrates commitment to sustainability and aligns with B Corp values. |
| Planning | Identifies environmental impacts, setting goals aligned with B Corp standards. |
| Implementation and operation | Establishes processes for reducing environmental impact, supporting B Corp criteria. |
| Monitoring and measurement | Provides data for continual improvement and transparency, which is key for B Corp criteria. |
| Internal audits | Provides accountability and progress towards environmental goals. |
| Management review | Involves leadership in sustainability efforts, aligning with B Corp governance. |
Find out more about ISO 14001.
ISO 14001 Requirements for Environmental Management Systems
To implement a fully effective ISO 14001-compliant Environmental Management System, several steps must be taken:
Planning
The planning phase involves conducting an environmental impact analysis of your business, where the potential environmental effects of your operations (direct or indirect) are carefully examined. This assessment includes identifying environmental aspects, determining their impact, establishing new objectives and setting realistic targets and implementable programmes.
Developing the EMS framework
After the planning and analysis, you will need to establish the core components of your EMS, including the scope, environmental policy, objectives and targets. You will also need to define roles and responsibilities for everyone involved and create procedures and documentation to support the EMS framework.
Implementation and operation
This phase entails structuring and operating the EMS. It involves defining roles and responsibilities, providing necessary resources, conducting training and awareness programs and establishing the operational controls and documentation to meet objectives.
Checking and corrective action
Monitoring and measuring critical operations and activities that can significantly impact the environment is essential. This also includes assessing compliance with environmental laws and regulations, identifying non-compliance issues, taking corrective and preventive actions and maintaining clear, accessible records.
Management review
Top management must periodically review the EMS to assess its continuing suitability, adequacy and effectiveness as your business evolves. These reviews are crucial and should consider any changes in environmental aspects, compliance obligations, risks and opportunities and other relevant internal and external issues that could affect your EMS.
Read our complete guide to ISO 14001 requirements for more information.
How Your Organisation Can Become ISO 14001-Certified
To achieve ISO 14001 certification, organisations must complete several steps:
- Understanding the ISO 14001 standard – Begin by familiarising yourself with the requirements and provisions of the standard. Depending on the size and complexity of your organisation, you may need to appoint an implementation team covering all departments or just one or two employees. You can buy the official ISO documentation from ISO.org.
- Prepare relevant documentation – Documentation is a core part of the ISO certification process for every standard. Produce necessary documentation that details your EMS and demonstrates compliance with the ISO 14001 standard.
- Staff training – It is vital for the success of your certification that all involved staff are trained in and aware of the ISO 14001 requirements. Educate your employees about ISO 14001 requirements and their roles in the EMS. Discover our ISO 14001 training courses.
- Conduct a pre-audit – Undertake an internal audit to pinpoint any gaps or weaknesses in your EMS that can be addressed before the certification audit. You may want to develop an audit schedule and checklist for complete coverage. Download our free ISO 14001 checklist.
- Certification audit – Schedule the certification audit with us. One of our independent auditors will assess your EMS to verify that it meets necessary ISO 14001 standards before awarding your business its ISO 14001 certification – congratulations!
How British Assessment Bureau Can Help
Implementing an ISO 14001-compliant Environmental Management System is not an overnight task. Achieving maximum ROI requires long-term investment and support from every department.
That may sound daunting, but the journey can be smooth and painless with the proper support.
British Assessment Bureau is a UKAS-accredited certification body for ISO certifications, with proven expertise to help guide your business towards successful ISO certifications. UKAS is the only government-endorsed body for ISO certification in the United Kingdom.
We are proud to have an “Exceptional” Feefo rating, which is awarded to businesses with a minimum service score of 4.9 out of 5 stars and who are trusted by over 10,000 clients.
We’ve helped thousands of organisations confidently move along the path to certification. Our award-winning service is built on confidence and trust, so you know you’re in safe hands.
Get started on your journey to ISO 14001 certification – get a quote today or contact our team to discuss your needs.
