Achieving certification means demonstrating that you have implemented the necessary processes for an EMS that meets ISO 14001 standards.
You will need the following documents to show this:
- Environmental Policy
- Environmental Aspects Register
- Environmental objectives and plans for achieving them
- Operational control procedures
- Procedure for emergency preparedness, response and business continuity
- List of interested parties and relevant legislation
- Evidence of communication
- Competence records
- Management review results
- Nonconformities and corrective action
- Monitoring performance information
- Compliance obligations record
- Internal audit programme and results
If that seems daunting, don’t worry—many organizations are surprised at how much they already have in place.
Successfully implementing ISO 14001
Employee involvement is essential for a strong EMS. ISO 14001 lets businesses set their own environmental targets. Active implementation maximizes benefits and results.
Who’s responsible?
Larger organizations often have dedicated ISO 14001 employees. Smaller businesses don’t need a special department, but senior management support is crucial for success.
ISO 14001 begins with creating an Environmental Policy to set your direction for the management system, providing a vision everyone can support.
While directors may not handle daily EMS tasks, appointing a ‘management representative’ with business understanding and good communication skills can help.
What skills are required?
ISO 14001 engages employees effectively, especially with growing interest in environmental impact.
Organizations may wish to assemble a team for EMS maintenance. Training explains standard requirements and builds confidence when working with auditors.
The ISO 14001 certification process
The ISO 14001 certification process involves two audits.
Stage 1 audit
This audit checks your current processes to see if they meet ISO 14001 requirements. The length of this audit depends on your organization’s size and industry, and you’ll get a timeline in advance.
After the audit, you’ll receive a report detailing any issues (nonconformities) that need fixing. These issues can be major or minor.
Stage 2 audit
This audit checks if you’ve fixed the issues from Stage 1 and if your EMS meets ISO 14001 requirements.
The auditor will review your processes in action, meet with managers and staff, and look at your internal audits and management reviews. They’ll determine if the right processes and controls are in place to reduce environmental risks.
If everything is in order, the auditor will recommend you for certification. The certification body’s compliance department will review this recommendation, as required by ANAB. If there are still things to fix, they’ll be listed in a report and need fixing before certification. If the compliance department finds no problems, they’ll confirm your EMS meets the standards and award certification.
Download our free ISO 14001 checklist.
What happens during an ISO 14001 audit?
Understanding what occurs during an environmental audit can help you prepare confidently. Auditors seek evidence that your EMS works effectively through:
- Visual evidence: Proper waste segregation, accessible spill kits, and clear environmental signage.
- Documentation: Current legal compliance records, completed training records, and monitoring data.
- Practical knowledge: Staff awareness of procedures, understanding of emergency response, and environmental objectives.
Here’s what you might expect on the audit day:
An opening meeting
Your audit begins with a brief meeting. The auditor confirms the scope, schedule, and assessment approach and answers questions.
A document review
The auditor will examine your key EMS documents, including your environmental policy, environmental aspects register, objectives, and targets. They will also examine management review minutes and internal audit records.
Site tour and interviews
The auditor will walk through your operations to see your EMS in action and talk with employees at different levels. For example, senior management may discuss how environmental management supports business strategy, while department managers address significant environmental aspects in their areas. The auditor will verify employee environmental training.
They’ll also observe activities related to significant environmental aspects and check operational controls.
Closing meeting
At the end of the audit, the auditor summarizes findings, explains any nonconformities, and outlines next steps and timeframes for addressing issues.
Common nonconformities
If your auditor identifies issues, you’ll have time to address them. Three frequent problems include:
- Incomplete environmental aspects: Overlooking indirect aspects or not updating your register when processes change.
- Vague objectives: Setting broad goals like ‘reduce waste’ without specific, measurable targets makes progress verification difficult.
- Inadequate compliance evaluation: A list of regulations alone is insufficient; auditors require evidence of regular compliance checks.
Learn more in What Is an Environmental Audit?
How long does ISO 14001 certification last?
Your ISO 14001 certification remains valid for three years, maintained through annual surveillance audits and recertification every third year.
Annual surveillance audits
ISO 14001 is highly respected because it requires ongoing improvement. Your certification body conducts yearly assessments to verify ongoing compliance. Auditors review all elements from the Stage 2 audit, plus any changes to your EMS.
Recertification
Annual audits help you prepare for the mandatory three-year recertification that confirms your EMS continues to meet ISO 14001 requirements.
