The purpose of ISO 14001 environmental management systems (EMS)
2 March 2023ISO 14001 is an international standard for environmental management systems (EMS). It provides a framework for organizations to manage their environmental responsibilities in a systematic and efficient manner. The standard specifies the requirements for an EMS, including the development of environmental policies and objectives, the identification and control of environmental aspects, the implementation of programs to manage these aspects, and the monitoring and reporting of environmental performance.
The purpose of ISO 14001 is to help organizations minimize their negative impact on the environment and comply with applicable environmental regulations and laws. It also helps organizations improve their overall environmental performance and reduce their costs by reducing waste and increasing energy efficiency.
Organizations can become certified to ISO 14001 by undergoing a third-party certification process. This involves an independent assessment of the organization's EMS by a certified auditor, who verifies that the organization is in compliance with the requirements of the standard. Once certified, organizations must continually improve their EMS and undergo regular audits to maintain their certification.
ISO 14001 is widely recognized and is used by organizations of all sizes and sectors, including manufacturers, service providers, public sector organizations, and non-profit organizations.