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Environmental management is easy with the assistance of an ISO 14001 certificate. It serves as the international benchmark. The purpose is to lower carbon emissions and make a company green. With increasing energy wastage and its harmful impact, biodiversity is at peril. The welfare of the community is at risk too. The solution is to get the environmental management accreditation. It acts as a support system for businesses and organisations. It offers a set of clauses that will help you better understand and maintain eco-sustainability. Companies will also be given better strategic direction to maintain their operations.

However, small, and medium companies often show a lack of interest. The reason is that they partially believe it is too expensive or that the process is too complicated. These statements are myths. Proper awareness and relevant knowledge are necessary before becoming certified. Taking professional help from consultants is a wise idea as they can make everything smooth especially because consultants perform audits effectively.

This blog will explain whether the process is difficult or hassle-free and gives a glimpse of the basic steps too.

First, why is the ISO 14001 certificate necessary?

1.Competitive advantage

• The ISO 14001 signals to customers, investors, and suppliers about the company’s commitment.

• The certificate helps you earn a competitive advantage that enhances credibility too.

• Customers will start relying on the company more and you will build a niche base. It stabilises the revenue margins as well.

2.Environmental sustainability

• Stakeholders understand the need for environmental sustainability.

• They act proactive in decision-making.

• The standard helps companies to align with the global goals for biodiversity.

• Companies can make a positive impact on the society.

• They contribute to the environmental protection.

3.Cost savings

• Companies reduce their yearly costs by lowering their carbon footprint.

• The standard helps with resource management.

• The management optimises resources to reduce the impact on nature.

• It improves waste management.

4.Risk management

• The clauses of the ISO 14001 emphasise assessing environmental risks.

• It allows the management team to mitigate the risks effectively.

• Management has a better idea about how to handle future emergencies.

5.Compliance

• The certificate helps to ensure a company adheres to government laws.

• Organisations oblige the statutory norm for environmental sustainability.

• It helps to earn global recognition.

What is the process to achieve an ISO 14001 certificate?

1.The requirements

• The first step is understanding the criteria.

• Get a copy of the standard and its clauses.

• Read the clauses, terms, and definitions.

• Hire a consultant to gain a better understanding of the criteria.

• Learn about the implementation requirements from the experts.

2.Analysis of the gap

• Gap analysis is pivotal.

• Call the ISO consultants.

• They analyse the present system.

• The process identifies major differences between the present system and the expected results.

• Gap analysis acts as a root-cause analysis. It detects the fundamental reasons behind each flaw.

• The deficiencies in your current environmental system will lead to strategic solutions.

3.Implementation

• After successfully detecting the gap, it is time for implementation.

• Modify your current system by employing policies and procedures.

• Optimise relevant resources that align with environmental objectives.

• The management must assign roles and responsibilities to individual departments.

• Every key process must carry documentation.

4.Establishment of an EMS (Environmental Management System)

• The management must develop environmental policies.

• They must follow the documented procedure as designed before.

• Necessary training should be given to the workers.

5.Internal audit

• It is the assessment of the performance of the system.

• Conduct the internal audit after implementation.

• Find the non-conformities.

• Check the effectiveness of the implemented policies.

6.Readiness reviews

• Readiness review, also called management review evaluates the preparedness of the system.

• The management might have to make some necessary changes to improve the last inadequacies.

The entire six step process might appear time-consuming and complex but with the help of the ISO consulting agents, it is seamless. They even help with selecting a reputable certification authority. Even after the completion, they will conduct surveillance audits too.

Do you wish to obtain the ISO 14001 certificate? If that answer is yes, contact us at Compliancehelp. We are one of Australia’s premier firms for achieving any ISO certifications. Allow us to help you resolve all questions. Hire us and discover our bespoke solutions at a competitive price. If you wish to learn more about implementation, our experts have the right methods to teach you. Get help choosing the right certification. Ask our consultants about the internal audit checklist!