What is ISO 14001 Environmental Management Systems?
It is an international standard developed in order to encourage the use of advanced technologies that do not damage the environment and resources, to achieve sustainable development goals, to raise consumer awareness, to evaluate the effects of products on the environment during their existence and to eliminate harmful products. ISO 14001 has been developed for all types of companies and organizations wishing to manage their environmental responsibilities. It can lead more efficient management in organizations when it is integrated with ISO 9001. It is revised in 2015, therefore the current version is ISO 14001:2015.
It is a known fact that the negative environmental effects that may arise as a result of production and other activities in organizations, affect the whole world and at the same time, the natural resources of the world are not unlimited. Therefore, it is the responsibility of all organizations and individuals to minimize the environmental damage of the products and services provided.
The number of environmentally aware customers is increasing day by day. Now, it is important for organizations to be sensitive towards environment in order to take part in the world market. In addition, to be satisfied with their expectations and needs, costumers, demand from organizations to put value on environment they live in. They question the sensitivity of their organizations to environmental issues. Due to the increased awareness, organizations need approaches to keep their interactions with the environment under control, to ensure that they continuously improve their environmental practices and to show positive practices to the consumer.
What are the benefits of ISO 14001?
- It contributes to minimizing the waste amount of enterprises.
- It ensures that the production or service processes managed by the institution comply with national and international legal regulations regarding the environment.
- It facilitates obtaining the permits and documents required for the realization of production or service.
- It provides economical use of raw materials, reduces costs and increases efficiency by systematically reducing and controlling waste.
- The trust of the customer to the institution increases by assuring the customer that an obligation for environmental management is undertaken.
- Pollution caused by company activities is taken under control starting from the source and pollution is reduced. In addition, it reduces possible liabilities arising from the problems.
- Due to the determination of potential danger situations, being prepared for emergencies and accidents decreases incidents.