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When it comes to environmental management, the ISO 14001 is the first thing that needs to be addressed. This globally recognized certification is the ultimate policy maker for minimization of your carbon footprint. To become certified and 100% compliant, companies need to complete the full process that includes gap analysis, internal audits, and readiness reviews. These days, companies often rely on online providers of ISO certification services. The result of meeting with experienced and reliable consultants shows that more than 40% of users fall victim to frauds and scams. Thus, many are sceptical when it comes to hiring services for the ISO 14001 certification online.

The online certification process is not a myth if you know how to find trustworthy consultants. To implement an environmental management system for reducing waste, a management system needs professional guidance. Online service providers perform various analyses to ensure compliance. People says that the process is not any different than the offline one. The following blog will shed light on the online process.

What is the process for the ISO 14001 certification online?

This process generally follows a series of evaluations and assessments. Gap analysis, internal audits, readiness reviews, and employee awareness campaigns are some of the common procedures. However, when it comes to the online process, it slightly differs from the on-site process. The documentation process, gap assessment, and training are all done through video calls. It is less time-consuming and in the case of audits, consultants will often choose a hybrid solution.

1. Pre-certification phase:

• Online Training: Many certification bodies offer the ISO 14001 training courses online to help organizations better understand the requirements of this standard.

• Documentation Preparation: Organisations can develop the required EMS documentation using online templates or consulting services.

• Gap Analysis: A remote assessment can be conducted through video conferencing, where a consultant will review your current environmental management practices against the ISO 14001 requirements. This identifies gaps that need to be addressed.

2. Implementation Phase:

• Online Support: Organisations can access online support for implementation. They provide remote consulting and guidance on aligning their operations with the ISO 14001 standards.

• Internal Audits: Internal audits can be planned and conducted using online audit tools. The findings can be shared with relevant stakeholders via digital platforms.

3. Certification Audit:

• Remote or Hybrid Audits: Some certification bodies now offer remote or hybrid audit options. This is provided especially to the smaller companies or those in low-risk sectors. These remote audits use video conferencing and document sharing to review the company’s compliance with the ISO 14001.

• On-site Verification: While parts of the audit can be done remotely, the ISO 14001 certification often requires on-site visits to verify certain aspects of environmental management. It involves waste handling, emissions control, or compliance with regulations.

4. Certification Decision:

After the audit, the certification body reviews the audit findings. It determines if the organisation meets the ISO 14001 standard. If compliant, a company is issued the ISO 14001 certification.

5. Surveillance Audits:

Over the three-year validity of the certification, periodic surveillance audits are conducted, and some of these audits can also be done remotely.

Key Points Regarding the ISO 14001 Online Certification:

• Partially Online: Certain elements, such as training, gap analysis, and document preparation, can be fully conducted online.

• Remote Audits: Remote audits are increasingly common. However, it depends on the organisation’s size, industry, and environmental risks. High-risk industries often still require physical audits.

• Certification Bodies: Only accredited certification bodies can issue legitimate ISO 14001 certifications. It is important to ensure that any online offering is backed by such accredited bodies.

• No Fully Automated Process: While much of the process can be facilitated online, the final certification decision requires auditor involvement. It may still involve physical verification.

To learn more about the ISO 14001 consultancy fees you need to obtain assistance from experts in Australia, and that is where Compliancehelp comes into play. We offer several services for how to conduct internal audits, gap analysis, and readiness reviews. Besides having a comprehensive set of guidance, you can customize a package according to your needs. Your overall cost might come down to an unbelievable amount after consultant experts assess and evaluate your exact requirements. For more details about the ISO 14001 or other standards, click here! Hire the right professionals that can assist with the ISO 14001 certification online.