ISO 14001 and 14004: Placing the environment at the heart of business

Being seen as a responsible business is no longer a nice-to-have; it's now a must-have. Many companies actively seek out suppliers with a good track record of environmental management and as a result, many organizations are doing what they can to improve their green credentials.

EMS: making businesses greener

Having an environmental management system (EMS) in place means that companies can demonstrate their commitment to operating sustainably. Not only does an EMS help the environment, it also makes great business sense: companies can reduce their impact on the environment at the same time as boosting their bottom line.

An effective EMS means a lower carbon footprint, less waste and greater sustainability, which in turn means more energy savings and a positive, long-lasting impression among suppliers and customers.

What does ISO 14001 offer businesses?

With so much on offer, businesses want a system they can rely on. ISO 14001:2015 helps organizations put in place an effective EMS and achieve the right balance of commercial success and environmental responsibility.

The world's first international environmental management standard offers a more collaborative approach to environmental management and continues to place sustainability at the heart of the business.

According to a survey conducted by the UK's Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment, 40% of businesses saved at least £10,000 after implementing the standard, with some saving as much as £5 million. These savings have been delivered through more effective energy efficiency measures, improved waste management, enhanced environmental performance, meeting legislative requirements and generating new business opportunities.

Key changes to ISO 14001:2015

In order to keep the standard relevant, a number of modifications were made to ISO 14001 in 2015. This is the second revision the standard has seen; here is an overview of the most significant changes:

• More aligned structure: the latest version of ISO 14001 ensures simpler integration and compatibility with other management standards, such as ISO 9001 and ISO 27001. Terminology throughout the standard also has greater consistency.
• Taking a lifecycle perspective: the importance of the supply chain in successful operations is now widely recognized and ISO 14001 requires companies to consider the environmental impacts of their products and services, from the acquisition of raw materials to the product's disposal.
• Focus on leadership buy-in and strategy: another key message is that an EMS cannot be operated in a silo. Senior management must be committed to the system, making it consistent with business strategy and objectives, and integrated into business processes.
• Environment's effect on operations: instead of viewing the environment only as something a business impacts, the revised standard requests that organizations think about the environment's impact on a business – in other words, consider how climate change is affecting their organization.
• New approach to auditing: the standard is written with the business in mind, not the auditor. It is more flexible to use and the revised audit process will provide added value to the organizations being audited.

How does ISO 14004 fit into the process?

ISO 14004 offers businesses guidance on how to develop an environmental management system such as ISO 14001. Updated in March this year, and including help boxes and examples, ISO 14004:2016 provides direction for companies navigating the changes that were made to ISO 14001.

As a consequence, the changes to ISO 14004 are substantive and the new document bears little resemblance to its predecessor. As a guidance document, ISO 14004 can go beyond the concepts set out in ISO 14001 and should not be seen simply as an interpretation of the standard.

The guidance offered in ISO 14004:2016 covers the entire process, from establishing and implementing an EMS to maintaining and improving it.

How ISO 14001 and 14004 are helping businesses

ISO 14001 suits a range of different companies. Fujitsu and Wiles Greenwood are two businesses enjoying the benefits the standard brings. Here's their take on the revisions:

IT company, Fujitsu is committed to CSR and certified to ISO 14001 in 2009. The company saw adoption of the new standard as a way towards better commercial alignment in the marketplace and meeting employees' expectations. Maria Sabey, Fujitsu UK&I's Head of Operations believes that forward-thinking organizations are better placed to make the transition to the new standard.

Office and design suppliers, Wiles Greenwood has been certified to ISO 14001 since 2004. The company found that the revised standard is more aligned with how it already works. Toby Robins, Sustainable Development Director stated: "We do not believe the additional criteria should pose a challenge to a competent environmental manager, either internal or external."

Making the changes that matter the most

The environmental needs of businesses are ever-changing and the changes to ISO 14001 and 14004 reflect this. They act as knowledge tools helping businesses make the right choices in their quest for a more sustainable future. These revisions also mean that the burden of regulatory compliance is minimized. ISO 14004 helps all companies manage and measure an EMS, regardless of whether they were an early adopter of the standard or are just starting out.

ISO 14001 allows businesses to grow in a more sustainable way while proving their eco credentials and ISO 14004 gives them the support and guidance they need to achieve that. Is it time your business took a more responsible approach to environmental management?