ISO 14001

Your system should meet the minimum requirements of ISO 14001 before it can be certified. Here, we outline the steps for developing your environmental management system to be ready for certification.

Our company IMS can provide support to you in any of the following steps.

1. Read through the ISO 14001 standard or use our ISO 14001 PDF Gap Analysis Checklist to become familiar with the terms used, the intent and the requirements set out in ISO 14001.
2. Perform a gap analysis using the checklist to determine the shortcomings of existing company management systems that you may have. This will highlight the areas that need further development.
3. Develop your management system according to the standard. IMS can help you integrate ISO 14001 into your business processes and systems ready for external certification.
4. Undergo external certification to ISO 14001. Contact an external certification body who will conduct two external audits.
5. Stage 1 (Desktop) Audit is to to evaluate the adequacy and suitability of your documented systems including system scope and processes such as the treatment of opportunities and risks. Fully develop and implement your EMS guided by the results of the Stage 1 audit.
6. Stage 2 Audit is final step of the certification process is to ensure that your management system is compliant and fully implemented in line with ISO 14001 requirements. This audit involves a visit by external auditor/s to your offices and premises and discussions with relevant individuals in your business.
7. Receive Statement of Certification is issued by the external certification body confirming compliance with the relevant standard which is valid for three years from date of issue. Surveillance audits are also required by the certification body usually on an annual basis to maintain your certification.

IMS specialises in developing management systems that are tailored to your exact business requirements, compatible with your existing systems, simple to use and compliant with ISO 14001. Having dealt with a great variety of companies and certification bodies we have the experience to know the best approach in each company’s case. Systems developed by IMS in consultation with the company’s representatives have always achieved certification in a time and cost effective manner.

ISO 14001:2015 allows organisations to provide evidence that they can reliably ensure environmental legal compliance. Certification to ISO 14001 provides numerous benefits and opportunities, including:

Tender for work – Declare conformance with the standard and tender for additional work, including government contracts and large corporate jobs.

Provide evidence for stakeholders – Enhance your reputation by providing formal recognition of your environmental management system processes to customers and interested stakeholders.

Legal compliance – Provide evidence your organisation meets all regulatory requirements, as ISO 14001 mandates your organisation must meet legal obligations.

Improve processes – Create efficiencies and ensure continuous environmental performance improvement.

Create your marketing advantage – Create a competitive advantage and marketing opportunity as certification can be a key differentiator in today’s challenging marketplace. Place ISO certification logos on letterheads, email footers and marketing materials.