ISO 14001 Certification
YOUR PROOF OF ENVIRONMENTALLY CONSCIOUS MANAGEMENT
For companies, resource-conserving and environmentally conscious actions are becoming increasingly important. Management policies that are compatible with environmental responsibilities have already become de facto an element of risk management and thus a decisive criterion in the selection of suppliers: The public increasingly expects companies to act sustainably and consciously.
In this context, obtaining a sustainability certification according to the international standard ISO 14001 is an effective way to:
- Improve the company's environmental performance;
- Meet the requirements of the public, customers, and authorities;
- Conserve resources and save costs;
- Improve one's reputation and image.
What is the ISO 14001 Standard?
ISO 14001 is an internationally recognized standard that specifies the exact requirements for an environmental management system and is harmonized with the structure of DIN EN ISO 50001 (Energy Management). It can be applied in principle to any company that aims for a significant and demonstrable improvement in its environmental performance. Based on the PDCA cycle (Plan-Do-Check-Act), the standard emphasizes continuous improvement of environmental performance:
- Plan
Planning and goal setting in relation to environmental aspects, legal requirements, and individual requirements; - Do
Execution and implementation of the planned processes within the entire organization; - Check
Monitoring of environmentally relevant key figures such as energy consumption, waste, or pollutant emissions, and measurement of environmental performance; - Act
Reaction and possible correction of the introduced processes to achieve the environmental goals.
How does one obtain ISO 14001 certification?
ISO 14001 certification can be obtained by companies of all sizes and sectors, from small suppliers to large industrial companies and government agencies. The main phases of the certification process proposed by Bureau Veritas include:
- Preliminary review;
- Initial review to assess the implementation of the principles and the basic structure of the Environmental Management Systems (EMS);
- Certification audit;
- Issuance of the certificate;
- Regular maintenance visits.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions about ISO 14001 Certification
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What is the benefit of an environmental management system?
By obtaining certification according to the new ISO standard, companies demonstrate that they are oriented towards the high requirements of the market and customers and strive for high product and service quality. Environmental factors such as energy consumption, waste or pollutant emissions, use of recyclable materials, or environmental compatibility of products are controlled and sustainably optimized.
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What requirements must be met to obtain ISO 14001 certification?
The requirements for certification are independent of the size, sector, or organizational form. However, the company must commit to ensuring that the environmental management system to be certified functions and is tested in such a way that it complies with the ISO 14001 standard.
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Is ISO 14001 compatible with other certifications?
ISO 14001 is compatible with other standards, such as ISO 45001 certification (Occupational Health and Safety Management), ISO 9001 (Quality Management), and ISO 50001 (Energy Management).
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How long is the ISO 14001 certificate valid?
An ISO 14001 certificate awarded by Bureau Veritas is valid for 3 years. Regular surveillance audits take place within these 3 years. To ensure the continued validity of the certificate, a recertification audit takes place before the end of the 3 years.