What is BS EN ISO 14001:2012?

BS EN ISO 14001:2012 is an international standard that provides guidelines for establishing and maintaining an effective environmental management system (EMS). The standard sets out the criteria for identifying, controlling, and monitoring an organization's environmental impacts and helps in achieving sustainable development goals.

Benefits of implementing BS EN ISO 14001:2012

Implementing BS EN ISO 14001:2012 offers numerous benefits to organizations. Firstly, it helps in improving environmental performance by setting clear objectives and targets for reducing pollution, waste generation, and resource consumption. This, in turn, leads to cost savings through better resource utilization and increased operational efficiency.

Secondly, the standard enhances an organization's reputation by demonstrating its commitment to environmental sustainability. This can attract environmentally-conscious customers and investors who prefer working with organizations that prioritize environmental stewardship.

Thirdly, BS EN ISO 14001:2012 promotes compliance with relevant environmental laws and regulations. By implementing the standard, organizations ensure that they are consistently meeting legal requirements, reducing the risk of non-compliance penalties.

Process of implementing BS EN ISO 14001:2012

The implementation process of BS EN ISO 14001:2012 involves several key steps. Firstly, the organization needs to conduct an initial environmental review to identify its significant environmental aspects. These may include waste management, energy consumption, emissions, or any other activities that can have a significant impact on the environment.

After identifying the significant aspects, the organization needs to develop an environmental policy and set objectives and targets for improvement. These objectives should be measurable and achievable within a specified timeframe. Additionally, the organization must establish a framework for monitoring and measuring its environmental performance.

Once the EMS is implemented, regular internal audits and management reviews should be conducted to ensure ongoing compliance and identify opportunities for improvement. The standard also emphasizes the importance of employee involvement and training in achieving environmental objectives.

Conclusion

BS EN ISO 14001:2012 provides a framework for organizations to effectively manage their environmental responsibilities. By implementing this standard, organizations can not only improve their environmental performance but also gain a competitive advantage by demonstrating their commitment to sustainable development. It is essential for organizations to fully understand the requirements of BS EN ISO 14001:2012 and ensure active participation from all stakeholders to achieve long-term success in environmental management.