Getting Certified & Implement Environmental ISO 14001
Up to this point, we want to believe that you already know what Environmental ISO 14001 is and the benefits of getting certified for this standard have to your organization. If that is so, then you can skip the rest of the article to the requirements for certification since we are going to recap what ISO 14001 is all about and also highlight some of its key benefits.
What is ISO 14001
This is an international standard that provides a framework for an organization on how to establish and continually improve an environmental management system. This takes us to the definition of an environmental management system (EMS).
An EMS is a body that is responsible for reducing the environmental footprints of an organization by controlling the activities and processes that interact directly with the environment. According to ISO 14001, and EMS has an outline guiding its development and operation. We are not getting into all that, but we are just to let you know that an EMS follows a high-level structure that is based on Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) just like other ISO standards in the ISO 14000 series.
What are the benefits of ISO 14001 certification?
We are going to answer this simple question by just giving highlights on how you need to get your organization certified. We have discussed more it in our other post that you can check for more details. The following are some of the reasons that you should have to get certified in Environmental ISO 14001:
Steps to becoming Certified in Environmental ISO 14001
You have to be well-prepared for this as it is a thorough process with no room for non-conformities to the ISO standards. In this section, we are going to discuss some of the basic steps that your company needs to follow to get certified for this standard. Here are what you need to know:
Internal auditing – This is the first step according to this article. However, this is in the assumption that you have undergone the needed training on ISO 14001 standards and has implemented an environmental management system that is according to this standard. Internal auditing is done by the members of the organization, but they have to remain independent of the processes being edited. This is mainly carried out to verify that all the records are in place and as described in the ISO 14001 standards.
Management review – This is a formal review that is done on the management system to check all the relevant facts about the EMS and all the procedures set in place so that the needed resources can be allocated.
Corrective actions – After the first two steps discussed above, there may be some adjustments or corrections that you need to have in place before you proceed to the next step. That is all resolved at this stage following the provided procedures that were established earlier when EMNS was being implemented.
Documentation review – This is the first stage of the actual certification. You will choose your preferred certification body as ISO 14001 certification is always done by third parties. ISO-Pros is one such certification body that is trusted by thousands of organizations from across the United States. You can rely on us to check that your documentation method and style conforms with the standards set by ISO 14001. Any nonconformities will be reported back to you for correction before proceeding to the next stage.
Main auditing – As expected, this is also done by a third party. Something to note here is that the chosen auditing and certifying body should be licensed to offer such services if your certificate has to be valid. This is the main process that will evaluate the implementation and operation of your environmental management system to ensure that it is according to the ISO 14001 standards. Once again, any non-conformities will be reported and corrected. When you are done with the correction, you can just apply for recertification again.
Conformity surveillance
Don’t think that you are good to go after getting the certification. You will have to keep the standards and never loosen your belts regarding the standards if you want to maintain your status as an ISO 14001 certified institution. Your certificate can be revoked should you fall below the standards. Conformity surveillance is done once a year. This involves your certification body sending its team of editors to do auditing on the system that is in place and report back the results of auditing. Any nonconformities can make you lose your certificate.
It is a long process to get ISO 14001 certification that you should not let it go just like that after achieving it. You need to maintain the standards high at all times. You can do this by doing an internal audit regularly or hiring a third party to help you out. ISO-Pros has experts that you can rely on to maintain your certified status. Our ISO consultants and editors will work with you hand in hand to help you in maintaining the standards.
Speak to us
Let us know what your plan about ISO 14001 certification is by contacting us through the addresses provided. We are ready to address any of your questions regarding the certification process. We are experienced and have all that it takes to improve your global market footprint through ISO 14001 certification. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any concerns to be raised.