Environmental certifications are designed with a single aim of helping companies modify their business operations to ensure a lowered carbon footprint. Within different industry’s there are demands and operational styles, therefore more than one certification standard should be considered to protect your market. This is the reason; many small and medium-sized manufacturing operations refuse to get certified because they think the process is too complication or too confusing to resolve.
The internationally recognized standard for environmental sustainability management is the ISO 14001. It sets and establishes specific global clauses for meeting all requirements to maintain an effective system with low carbon emission. Most companies regardless of their size and type look to obtain for this accreditation because they lack proper understanding about the other available standards. In Australia, more than 60% of the small and medium-sized farms settle for the ISO 14001, which works efficiently although it only performs at a basic level. For more precise patterns and more precise working standards, there are other certifications.
The following blog will discuss those standards in an effort to clear up any confusion. It will list all the available benchmarks that are relevant and applicable to a wide variety of industries including the manufacturing sector. It will outline suggested standards that make it easier for you to select in the future.
Which environmental certifications should you have for your manufacturing company?
In Australia, similar to other regions, the selection of various environmental certifications for your manufacturing company depends on several factors including your industry, location, size, and specific environmental objectives.
To begin your journey there is the ISO 14001, which focuses on improving management and operating systems and making them more eco-friendly. It contains a set of 12 clauses that set the ground for all prime requirements. Once your management system meets these clauses, it will meet all compliance requirement prevent harsh and protentional damaging governmental regulations. To minimize your carbon footprint, the ISO 14001 is the easiest and most effective basic standard available worldwide. Outlined below are the various clauses.
• Scope of the program
• Normative references
• Terms and conditions/definitions
• Organizational context
• Leadership
• Planning
• Support
• Operations
• Performance evaluation
• Internal audit
• Review of the management
• Continual improvement
These industry and work-specific standards are listed below as well.
1. Cradle-to-Cradle Certification: Though it’s an international certification, it’s applicable in the Australia and signifies environmentally responsible product design and production practices.
2. Energy Star Certification: Especially relevant if your manufacturing processes involve significant energy consumption. Energy Star certification indicates energy efficiency and environmental responsibility.
3. LEED Certification: Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification is highly regarded for buildings in Australia and worldwide. It demonstrates sustainable building design practices, construction, and operations.
4. Carbon Neutral Certification: While there is specific Australian based certification for carbon neutrality, achieving carbon neutrality through recognisable procedures and therefore offset programs as a vital requirement for demonstrating your environmental commitment.
5. Forest Stewardship Council Certification (FSC): If your manufacturing involves wood or paper products, FSC certification ensures responsible forest management practices, which are recognised globally.
6. Sustainable Forestry Initiative Certification (SFI): Similar to FSC certification, SFI certification ensures responsible forest management practices and is widely recognised in the business sectors.
To find the right professional support for obtaining an ISO environmental management system standard and implement these internal audit requirements, contact us at Compliancehelp. We are the premier firm to help you achieve various ISO certifications in Australia. Our customized solutions for ISO and other global certifications are ready to make this seemingly exhausting accreditation process, comfortable and meet your timelines. From basic consultation to audit and analysis, we cover everything. Get your questions answered and clear up any concepts that you may not fully understand regarding the clauses of any management system standard you require.
Ask our certified professionals about the environmental certifications and meet all your compliance requirement without any hassle.
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