ISO 14001

Considering Implementing ISO 14001?

ISO 14001 is an internationally recognised standard designed to help companies implement an effective Environmental Management System (EMS) that helps companies maintain their profitability whilst reducing its environmental impact; and may even help a company improve its profits by reducing its operational costs. The standard is suitable for use by any organisation, irrespective of their size or the sector; it helps companies reduce their environmental impact and meet their legal requirements but is flexible to allow individual businesses design a system that works for them.

It requires that a company understands:

· It’s services/product(s)

· It’s underlying processes and procedures

· It’s suppliers

· Its environmental impact

Once a company fully understands not only its business processes but the impact these processes have on the environment then a company can design and utilise programmes aimed to reduce this impact without adversely affecting its business.

ISO 14001 is also aligned with ISO9001, so some of the systems required for ISO 9001 are core to ISO 14001. This means that along with looking at its environmental impact, ISO 14001 also helps companies look to improving its internal processes.

What are the benefits of ISO 14000?

Cost Reductions:

· Through reducing waste and a more efficient use of natural resources your company may see a reduction in operational costs which help to improve its profit. For example, use of energy-efficient components (lightbulbs, machinery etc) or simply turning off al computers and lights at the end of the day will reduce the amount of energy a company consumes thereby reducing its energy bill.

· An implemented ISO 14001 system means that a company is more likely to be meeting current legislation and so will avoid receiving fines for not meeting its requirements

· Insurance costs may be reduced through the company having a system that can be demonstrated to have an improved risk management

Legislation: Having an ISO14001 system in place means that a company is better placed to review and update itself on relevant legislation and so reduce the possibility of receiving any fines for not meeting new legislation.

Reputation:

· Companies that are certified to ISO14001 are seen by the public as being environmentally responsible

· Increased reputation can lead to a sales advantage over non-ISO 14001 certified companies

How can we help?

Havard Quality Solutions Ltd can help your business manage and/or implement your ISO 14001 system. This help can be anything from help in performing a single task (such as providing a Gap Analysis to allow you to identify where you have to prioritise your work) to taking onboard the full implementation programme and project manage the process (with your implementation team) freeing you and your workforce to continue with your day-to-day business.

Looking to Implement ISO 14001?

Havard Quality Solutions Ltd can:

· Perform an initial Gap Analysis against the requirements of the standard and provide you with a report to help you identify where you should focus your effort

· Provide Training to Upper Management so they understand their obligations to the standard

· Provide Training to your staff so they understand why the system is being implemented and their role

· Provide Internal Audit Training to your members of staff that have been identified by you as Internal Auditors for your company

· Work with you to complete your action plan

· Be the interface between you and the assessor, from initial discussions through the application process

· Attend the assessor audit and discuss the findings

· Work with you to complete any non-conformances identified by the assessor

Already certified to ISO 14001?

If you are already have certified to ISO 14001 then you already have an EMS, it may be that your responsible person has left or has identified that you need to do more work to your system than can be achieved with your current staffing level. Why go to the expense of hiring more people? Havard Quality Solutions Ltd can fill the gap, either through management of the full system or provide a bespoke service covering those aspects with which you need help.

Havard Quality Solutions Ltd can provide an inclusive management programme for your system or we can be an extra tool in your toolbox that is used as, and when needed.

Refer to our Services page for the various levels of service that you can choose or contact Havard Quality Solutions Ltd directly to discuss your needs.