ISO 14001 Environmental issues and the need for protection
of the environment is the focus of increasing concern and
over the past number of years governments, businesses and
the public are demanding a reasonable and effective response.
The “Earth Summits” of world leaders in Rio
de Janeiro and Kyoto brought much attention to these issues
and encouraged tangible steps towards sustainable development
which would allow for continued economic prosperity without
compromising future generations. Many companies and
organisations have responded positively to the challenge
to contribute to economic development and prosperity in
a way that respects the environment. They are actively
implementing economically viable programs that reduce the
adverse environmental impacts of their operations and that
result in sustained benefits for all parties.
Environmental
Management Systems (EMS) standards have been developed as
tools to allow the management of organisations to better
identify, manage and control their activities that can impact
the environment.
By
a systematic analysis of the aspects of an organisation’s
operations, and by quantifying the impacts on the environment
of these aspects, the organisation can respond in a planned
and co-ordinated way. Defining clear goals and objectives
in relation to environmental performance gives direction
to the organisation by reducing waste and energy use, substitution
of non-renewable resources, risk avoidance, good citizenship
and image enhancement. This contributes to increased stakeholder
confidence, competitive advantage and long term viability.
ISO
14001:2004 is designed to be compatible with other management
standards, particularly the widely used ISO 9001 Quality
Management Standard. Industrial companies, service
organisations, utilities and public bodies worldwide have
embraced ISO 14001 as the preferred model for environmental
management.
An
effective environmental management system based on ISO 14001
provides an organisation with a defined structure to allow
them to more confidently and effectively manage environmental
issues by:
- establishing a
policy and awareness that good environmental performance
is a strategic objective of the organisation
- focusing on the
prevention of waste and pollution and on continual improvement
of environmental performance
- systematic analysis,
planning, control and monitoring of all activities that
may affect environmental performance
- assisting companies
to more effectively meet legislative and regulatory
requirements
- demonstrating
to regulators, stakeholders and other interested third
parties that a formal environmental management system
is operational and effective Most managers will try
to avoid pollution that could cost the company a fine
for infringing environmental legislation. But better
managers will agree that doing only just enough to keep
the company out of trouble with government inspectors
is a rather weak and reactive approach to business in
today's environment-conscious world.
The
ISO 14001 is a practical tool for the manager who is not
satisfied with mere compliance with legislation –
which may be perceived as a cost of doing business. It is
for the proactive manager with the vision to understand
that implementing a strategic approach can bring return
on investment in environment-related measures.
The
systematic ISO 14001:2004 approach requires the organization
to take a hard look at all areas where its activities have
an environmental impact. And it can lead to benefits like
the following:
- reduced cost of
waste management
- savings in consumption
of energy and materials
- lower distribution
costs
- improved corporate
image among regulators, customers and the public
- framework for
continual improvement of environmental performance.
Call Jordan Business
Systems today and let them show you how you can meet your
environmental objectives.