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Environmental certifications are globally recognized standards that help companies minimise their operations to a specific level to ensure that they control their carbon footprint. In Australia, greenhouse emission rates from the overall business sector are increasing. Especially, small and medium-sized companies are on the list for violating statutory rules and regulations that ensure environmental sustainability management. Environmental standards like the ISO 14001 are essential for companies regardless of their size. These standards provide comprehensive support for companies in terms of showing them the most relevant path for controlling harmful business practices.

These certifications vary based on different continents and countries. In Australia, there are other standards and initiatives besides the ISO 14001 environmental management system. Each of these standards has its significance and application. Business enterprises, that are concerned about being eco-conscious must learn and comprehend each of the standards before application.

The following blog will concentrate on certifications and business standards. It will outline each one so that you have a basic idea before the implementation.

What are the prime environmental certifications?

1.ISO 14001

It is a widely acknowledged standard that reportedly helps companies minimising their yearly emission rates. It provides a set of guidelines and protocols for the companies to follow and implement. It contains a set of clauses, which if applied ensure 100% compliance and ensures a company meets all regulatory criteria for sustainability. With help from the ISO 14001, a company can effortlessly ignore government interventions and penalties. These standard ten clauses are:

• Scope of the program

• Normative references

• Context of the organisation

• Terms and definitions

• Leadership

• Planning

• Support

• Operations

• Monitoring and evaluations

• Continual improvement

2.Australian Certified Organic (ACO)

ACO is the largest organic certification body in Australia, certifying organic products according to strict standards for environmental sustainability, biodiversity conservation, and animal welfare. Products bearing the ACO logo meet all organic farming and processing requirements.

3.Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Certification

FSC certification is recognized globally and applies to forest products sourced from responsibly managed forests. In Australia, FSC certification ensures that timber and paper products are sourced sustainably, with consideration for biodiversity, indigenous rights, and community welfare.

4.Green Star

Green Star is an environmental rating system for buildings and communities developed by the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA). It evaluates the sustainability performance of buildings across various categories, including energy efficiency, water conservation, materials selection, and indoor environmental quality.

5.National Carbon Offset Standard

NCOS or the National Carbon Offset Standard is designed especially for small and medium-sized companies measure, review, and promptly reduce the amount of carbon and greenhouse emissions from time to time. For carbon neutrality, concerned enterprises must invest in the NCOS.

6.Australian Packaging Covenant

APC or the Australia Packaging Covenant is an initiative often considered to be voluntary and applies to companies that are in the packaging industry. Its guidelines set help companies successfully see their problems with the packaging materials and process and reduce the harmful impacts of their process on the environment.

7.Low Carbon Australia (LCA)

Low Carbon Australia offers certification and verification services to organizations seeking to reduce their carbon footprint and improve energy efficiency. LCA certification helps businesses demonstrate their commitment to sustainability and climate action.

Why does your small firm need them?

• To avoid getting penalised for violating these conditions you must understand that the penalty amounts are often high and can cost a company its entire yearly budget. By meeting the above-discussed standards, companies are able to demonstrate their focus and commitment towards being environmentally conscious towards their community.

• To maintain brand loyalty and customer engagement, it is necessary to showcase your company’s commitment to all regulatory conditions. These certifications are proof and show how much you are focused on the wellbeing of your environment. It will also help with customer loyalty.

• These environmental certifications can help you save money as well as time. Without these guidelines in place, you will waste resources both in technical, human, and financial. These environmental sustainability management programs are strategic moves for balancing your budget as well.

If you are looking for professional support to help you implement an ISO environmental sustainability management system and its internal audit requirements, then contact us at Compliancehelp. We are the premier site that can help you achieve any ISO certification in Australia. Our customised solutions for all ISO and other global certifications are readily available and can make this seemingly exhausting accreditation process, comfortable and finish on time. From basic consultation to audit and analysis, we will cover everything. Obtain our help and clear up and questions you have regarding the clauses of any management system standard you require.

Ask our certified professionals about the environmental certification benefits and meet compliance needs without any hassle or complication.