ISO 14001 standard for Environmental Management Systems (EMS)
ISO is a global standardisation system originally associated with other matters besides the environment, of which the best known is quality assurance. ISO 14001 is a standard for environmental management systems for which companies can be certified. By 2006, 96 % of Eka sites have third-party verification of their environmental management system according to the ISO 14001/RC14001 standards.
ISO 14001 contains requirements that may be objectively audited for certification/registration purposes or for self-declaration purposes.
The international standard includes examples, descriptions and options that aid both in the implementation of an EMS (Environmental Management System) and in strengthening its relation to the overall management of the organization.
An EMS provides order and consistency for organizations to address environmental concerns, through the allocation of resources, assignment of responsibilities and ongoing evaluation of practices, procedures and processes.
The international standard considers the elements of an EMS and provides practical advice on implementing or enhancing such a system. It also provides organizations with advice on how to effectively initiate, improve or sustain an environmental management system. Such a system is essential to an organization's ability to anticipate and meet its environmental objectives and to ensure ongoing compliance with national and/or international requirements.
Environmental management is an integral part of an organization's overall management system. The design of an EMS is an ongoing and interactive process. The structure, responsibilities, practices, procedures, processes and resources for implementing environmental policies, objectives and targets can be coordinated with existing efforts in other areas (e.g. operations, finance, quality, occupational health and safety).
For more information about ISO and ISO 14000: Environmental Management ISO/TC207.