What are the benefits of implementing an ISO 14001 Management System?

Environmental Management has become the most important tool for the measurement of sustainable product and service delivery. The implementation of a management system based on this standard, would enhance how the products or services are delivered, regarding the influence the Enterprise has on the natural environment.

What Principles are ISO 14001 Standard based on?

The principles are:

  • 1. Plan - Plan the influence on the natural environment directly and indirectly, inclusive of targets.
  • 2. Do - Implementing the planned actions, of stage 1. This would include procedures, operational controls and remedial actions.
  • 3. Check - Measuring, Monitoring the processes and Report the results.
  • 4. Act - Actions to be taken to improve the system.

ISO 14001 Benefits

The perceived benefits of using the ISO 14001 standard are:

  • * Reduced Environmental Impact of Enterprise.
  • * Improve Environmental standards for delivery of service or product.
  • * Minimizing regulatory risks for Enterprise.
  • * Lead to improved relationships with regulators.
  • * Provides a framework for continual improvement of Environmental management performance.
  • * Lead to reduced waste and better waste management techniques.
  • * Ensures that information is properly documented, communicated and retained.
  • * Increased awareness through consultation and participation.
  • * Gives people an avenue to raise Environmental concerns.
  • * Makes it clear that Environmental management is an important part of the corporate culture.
  • * Manages the resource usage.
  • * Potential for competitive edge over non-compliant rivals, as demand from consumers are increasing for better Environmental management.
  • * Can lead to increased competitiveness amongst industry rivals.
  • * Leads to improved corporate image among regulators, customers and the public.
  • * Demonstrates to your business partners, regulatory agencies, employees, their families and the community that you are a responsible enterprise.

What is an Environmental Management Plan(EMP)?

The Environmental Management Plan is the Site specific plan which is developed to ensure legal compliance is attained and maintained regarding all environmental aspects of a project.

What are the principles of an EMP?

The principles are:

  • 1. Make the Commitment Statement regarding the compliance of Legal Requirements.
  • 2. List the environmental issues.
  • 3. Stipulate Legal requirements for the project.
  • 4. Compile the Work Instructions for all requirements.
  • 5. Prepare an Emergency Site Plan and include all possible scenarios.
  • 6. Assign Responsibilities for all actions and ensure that responsible persons understand the full responsibilities.
  • 7. Train all persons with responsibilities regarding the project.
  • 8. Monitor the Project and progress as well as all influences. Amend procedures and Work Instructions where needed.

ISO 14001 Implementation Requirements

Implementation Goals

The Implementation Goals / Targets are set along the desired minimum outcomes of various stages or processes, as the minima for attaining the perceived Environmental Management System targets.

Environmental Management System Targets

The targets for Environmental Management System are documented along the requirements as stipulated in the Environmental Policy of the Enterprise. The attained scores would indicate the level of success of the system.

Training Key Personnel

The training of key personnel should be conducted prior to the implementation taking place, to ensure that the requirements of the ISO 14001 standard is known and understood by all parties involved.

Assessments

To ensure full compliance with the ISO 14001 standard for your Enterprise, a full GAP analysis must be conducted to enable the compilation of a "AS-IS" report. This report would show all shortcomings regarding the requirements as set by the standard. The follow-up report would be a "TO-BE" report, stating the requirements for the management system at the end of the implementation period.

Implementation Planning

The consultant has to engage with management in setting the targets and requirements for the implementation framework. The framework can then only be implemented along those lines when all parties adhere to the terms of implementation.

Implementation

The implementation would require the attention of all parties involved. The implementation does not have to mean the complete overhauling of procedures but it could mean that there might be major or minor changes, as to how things are done or results recorded. It could even imply that new procedures have to be compiled and implemented. This indication would be only be given after the first assessment of the current system has been concluded and form part of the "AS-IS" assessment.

Changes or Adaptations

Changes to processes and procedures should be documented and all personnel involved must be trained for the changes to take effect. All documentation regarding the changes in Task- and /or Job descriptions should be seen as part of the implementation process.

Internal Audits

Internal audits must be conducted to assess the implementation process. The outcome would indicate the first changes if any, to the management system, as well as the shortcomings of the system as planned and implemented.

Implementation Timeframe.

If you are serious about the ISO 14001 system implementation for your enterprise, the process must not be rushed, but rather be well planned and executed. The size of your business would determine the timeframe needed for implementation. RynMag would be able to give an indication regarding the timeframe for the specific implementation once a site visit was conducted.

Maintaining the ISO 14001 based Environmental Management System

As is evident of this Standard, the system has to be documented. This would mean that the documents should be available to all employees, as well as interested and affected third parties requiring inspection of the management system. The easiest would be a paper based filing system, but this could prove to be cumbersome when the documentation has to be distributed to all personnel. Be very careful not purchase paper based systems as this would make you dependent upon a consultant for any changes to the system. RynMag has developed computer based software programs able to handle all the documentation inclusive of reminders, for the required maintenance as well as the registers required to record various aspects of the system.

Implementation Cost

The cost of the implementation should never be seen as an expense, but rather a tool to enhance the management of the business. The cost of the system should rather be seen as an investment in making the business more profitable and delivering services or products through more Environmental acceptable procedures with less influence on nature. If implemented and maintained properly, the system should repay the investment in a reasonable timeframe.

Certification Process

The certification is possible as soon as the management process has been conducted for a full cycle (usually 6-12 months) and documented proof exists, to show the compliance to the particular standard implemented. This would include proof of internal audits of the system.