ISO 14001:2015 - Environmental Management Systems

What is ISO 14001?

ISO 14001:2015 specifies the requirements for an Environmental Management System (EMS) that an organization can use to enhance its environmental performance as well as ISO 14001:2015 provides a systematic framework for integrating environmental management practices by supporting environmental protection, preventing pollution, minimizing waste, and reducing energy and materials consumption.

ISO 14001:2015 helps to control your environmental aspects, reduce impacts, and ensure legal compliance. It is the most widely used Environmental Management System in the world, with over 350,000 certificates issued to various organizations. The current version of ISO 14001 was released in September 2015.

ISO 14001:2015 is intended for use by an organization seeking to manage its environmental responsibilities in a systematic manner that contributes to the environmental pillar of sustainability. It is applicable to any organization, regardless of size, type, and nature, and applies to the environmental aspects of its activities, products, and services.

Benefits of ISO 14001 Certification

ISO 14001 helps organizations for environmental protection, preventing pollution, minimizing waste, and reducing energy and materials consumption, which in turn brings many benefits where some benefits are mentioned below:
  • Improved Environmental Performance
  • Increased Customer Satisfaction
  • Reduced Operating Costs
  • Efficient Management Approach
  • Corporate Responsibility
  • Increased Focus on Risks
  • Greater Compliance
  • Gain Competitive Advantage
  • Pollution Prevention
  • International Recognition

Journey to Certification

ISO 14001 Certification is a 3rd party audit performed by MQA, during the audit we will verify that your organization is following the requirements of ISO 14001, if received positive results then we will issue an ISO 14001 certificate. This certification is then maintained through annual surveillance audits by MQA, with re-certification of the ISO 14001 Certification after three years. See below cycle to know how you can get started on the road to certification:

MQA Certification Cycle

Year 1
Step 1.1 (Initial Application)
  • Client request a quotation.
  • MQA will assess Client’s requirements.
  • MQA will share proposal with client.
  • Client signed the 3-year Certification Contract with MQA.
Step 1.2 (Certification Audit)
  • MQA will conduct:
    1. Gap Assessment (Readiness Review)
    2. Stage-1 Audit (Documentation Review)
    3. Stage-2 Audit (Implementation Review)
  • MQA Auditor will share the audit reports to MQA’s Certification Decision Committee.
Step 1.3 (Certificate Management)
  • If certification decision is positive, then certificate is issued by MQA.
  • If certification decision is negative, then verification audit is planned by MQA.
  • Client will receive the MQA Portal access to:
    1. View the Audit Reports.
    2. Download the ISO Certificate.
    3. Review & Respond to Audit Findings, etc.
Year 2 & 3
Step 2.1 (Renewal Request)
  • MQA request for renewal.
  • Client agreed for Surveillance Audit.
Step 2.2 (Surveillance Audit)
  • MQA will conduct Surveillance Audit
  • MQA Auditor will share the audit reports to MQA’s Certificate Decision Committee.
Step 2.3 (Certificate Management)
  • If no critical non-conformity found, then certificate is renewed by MQA.
  • If any critical nonconformity found, then verification audit is planned by MQA.
  • Client have the MQA Portal access to:
    1. View the Audit Reports.
    2. Download the ISO Certificate.
    3. Review & Respond to Audit Findings, etc.

Why was ISO 14001 revised?

All ISO standards are reviewed every five years to serve the business community and maintain its relevance in today’s marketplace. ISO 14001:2015 is designed to respond to the latest trends and be compatible with other management systems such as ISO 9001, 45001, etc.

ISO 14001:2015 sets out the criteria for an Environmental Management System (EMS) and can be certified to. It maps out a framework that an organization can follow to set up an effective Environmental Management System. It can be used by any organization regardless of its activity or sector.

What are the main changes to the standard?

The key changes relate to:
  • Increased importance of environmental management within the organization's strategic planning processes.
  • Addition of proactive initiatives to protect the environment from harm and degradation.
  • Lifecycle thinking when considering environmental aspects.
  • Improving environmental performance added.
  • Addition of a communications strategy.
  • Greater focus on leadership.
MQA help you to certify your organization to ISO 14001:2015.

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